Question

How can we prevent rancidity? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark
Each point: 1 Mark

1. Rancidity can be prevented by adding antioxidants to foods containing fats and oils. Antioxidants are reducing agents so when they are added to food it do not get oxidised easily and hence do not turn rancid.
2. The two common anti-oxidants are (a) BHA (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole) (b) BHT (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene). Vitamin-E and vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) are the two antioxidants occurring in natural fats.
3. Rancidity can be prevented by packaging fat and oil containing foods in nitrogen gas.
4. It can also be retarded by storing food in air tight containers.
5. It can be retarded by storing foods away from light.