Food Preservation, Nutrition, Medicine

Total Questions: 33

1. In fruits and vegetables, wax emulsion is used for – [U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Extension of storage life
Solution:In fruits and vegetables, wax emulsion is used for the extension of their storage life. Wax coating is used as a carrier for sprout inhibitors, growth regulators, and preservatives of fruits and vegetables. The principal disadvantage of wax coating is the development of off-flavor if not applied properly. Fruits and vegetables can be stored for 10 to 12 days by wax coating.

2. Which one of the following substances is used in the preservation of food stuff? [44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

Correct Answer: (c) Sodium Benzoate
Solution:The chemical formula of Sodium Benzoate is C₇H₅NaO₂. It is widely used as a food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water and its melting point is 410°C.

It is very effective in inhibiting the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, particularly yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, in acidic foods. You'll commonly find it in acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, jams and fruit juices, pickles, and salad dressings.

3. Which one of the following is used in preservation? [U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl.) (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Sodium Benzoate
Solution:The chemical formula of Sodium Benzoate is C₇H₅NaO₂. It is widely used as a food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water and its melting point is 410°C.

4. For the preservation of fruit juice which of the following is used? [U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014]

Correct Answer: (d) Sodium Benzoate
Solution:The chemical formula of Sodium Benzoate is C₇H₅NaO₂. It is widely used as a food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water and its melting point is 410°C.

It is very effective in inhibiting the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, particularly yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, in acidic foods. You'll commonly find it in acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, jams and fruit juices, pickles, and salad dressings.

5. Which one of the following chemical is used in food preservation? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (c) Sodium Benzoate
Solution:The chemical formula of Sodium Benzoate is C₇H₅NaO₂. It is widely used as a food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water and its melting point is 410°C.

6. Which one of the following is used in food preservation? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]

Correct Answer: (c) Benzoic Acid
Solution:Benzoic acid (C₆H₅O₂) or C₆H₅COOH is the colourless crystalline solid and simple aromatic carboxylic acid. The name is derived from gas benzoin. Its salts (e.g., sodium benzoate) are used as food preservatives.

7. Potato chips are packed in plastic bags in the atmosphere of – [U.P. RO/A.RO. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2016]

Correct Answer: (a) Nitrogen Atmosphere
Solution:Potato chips are fried in oil, and the fats can become rancid when they react with oxygen. Replacing oxygen with nitrogen, an inert gas, prevents this oxidation, so it packed in plastic bags in the atmosphere of nitrogen. It gives the chips a longer shelf life because bacteria, molds, etc., need oxygen to thrive, and in the absence of oxygen, they cannot grow.

It also keeps away moisture and keeps the chips intact during transportation. thus nitrogen gas keeping the chips fresh and crispy and preventing them from developing off-flavors.

8. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food is used as – [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (e) Flavour enhancer & Preserver
Solution:Monosodium Glutamate is commonly known as Ajinomoto. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. MSG is found naturally in some foods, including tomatoes and cheese, in this glutamic acid form. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer and preserver commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats.

It enhances the perception of savoriness while preserving palatability. MSG is used in cooking as a flavor enhancer with an umami taste that intensifies the meaty, savory flavor of food. It was first prepared in 1908 from seaweed broth by Japanese biochemist Kikunae Ikeda.

9. Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life, because – [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (c) Rate of respiration is decreased
Solution:The shelf life of fruits and vegetables can be increased by keeping them in cold storage. This results in a slower ripening process, and fruits and vegetables remain fresh for a longer duration. Notably, when fruits are stored in a cold chamber, their rate of respiration is decreased.

When fruit respires, they release ethylene which helps in ripening. Ethylene is known as the 'fruit-ripening hormone'. Every fruit has a different level of ethylene production. The rate of ethylene production decreases when fruits are kept in cold storage. Thus, the shelf life of fruits increases.

10. Refrigeration helps in food preservation by – [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013 ,U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011]

Correct Answer: (b) Reducing the rate of biochemical reactions
Solution:Refrigeration preserves foods by slowing down the growth and reproduction of microorganisms or by reducing the rate of biochemical reactions.