If you are an Environmental Health Student specialising in food like myself or on a food course of any kind: a degree, HNC or a Basic/Higher Food Certificate this is the book for you.
This book has everything you need to know all set out in a simple language. I own the 2003 edition and I have never stopped using it. It is currently got a very worn out dust cover and pencil marks throughout the book! The 2003 edition is no different from the 2005 edition apart from the recently changed law.
I borrowed this 2005 all new and updated edition from my university library. I personally found useful as it covers the recent changes in food law which was such a mine field to understand. There are digrams, easy to read text, a wonderful glossary, diagrams and pictures! Sigh of relief with diagrams and pictures in books especially this kind. There should be more authors like Richard Sprenger that explain, help you understand and remember what you have read.
It is great to reference from and to look up parts in the food industry that you need to understand. Hence the state my 2003 edition is in now loved and appreciated :0)
I would buy this book it is such an investment or wear out your university library card until you have enough money ;0)