Food Preservation, Nutrition, Medicine

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

(a) Creating shine on fruits and vegetables
(b) Extension of storage life
(c) Enhancing the ripening process
(d) None of the above

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]

(a) Citric Acid
(b) Potassium Chloride
(c) Sodium Benzoate
(d) Sodium Chloride

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.

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

(a) Sodium Chloride
(b) Sodium Benzoate
(c) Sodium Tartrate
(d) Sodium Acetate

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]

(a) Acetic acid
(b) Formic acid
(c) Sulphuric acid
(d) Sodium Benzoate

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.

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

(a) Sodium Chloride
(b) Caustic Soda
(c) Sodium Benzoate
(d) Sulfuric Acid

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]

(a) Sodium Carbonate
(b) Acetylene
(c) Benzoic Acid
(d) Sodium Chloride

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]

(a) Nitrogen Atmosphere
(b) Hydrogen Atmosphere
(c) Oxygen Atmosphere
(d) Iodine Atmosphere

Correct Answer: (a) Nitrogen Atmosphere

Solution:Potato chips are packed in plastic bags in the atmosphere of nitrogen to protect them from being oxidized. 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.

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]

(a) Exposure to sunlight is prevented
(b) Concentration of CO₂ in environment is increased
(c) Rate of respiration is decreased
(d) There is an increase in humidity

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]

(a) Killing the germs
(b) Reducing the rate of biochemical reactions
(c) Destroying enzyme action
(d) Sealing the food with a layer of ice

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.

Food Preservation, Nutrition, Medicine

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

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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

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

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

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