Question

*Name any two common food preservatives and write their uses

Answer 1

Food preservation

1. Food preservation is the technique to prevent food spoilage, food poisoning, and microbial contamination in food.
2. An example of a food preservative is sodium benzoate C6H5COONa.
3. It is safely used in limited amounts and is metabolized by conversion to hippuric acid C6H5CONHCH2COOH, which is ultimately excreted into the urine.
4. It is bacteriostatic and fungistatic under acidic conditions. Thus, it prevents the growth of microorganisms in food materials.
5. Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid in different fruits and vegetables, especially in limes and lemons.
6. It is a weak acid but a good food preservative.
7. Therefore, citric acid can be used as a food preservative. It is also used as a flavoring agent.