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Question

Name the process that causes unpleasant smell and unpleasant taste in fatty foods.


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Solution

Oxidation of lipids

The reaction of distinct compounds with oxygen O2 is called oxidation. Some substances react with oxygen present in the atmosphere to form more stable forms of it.

When unsaturated fats or oils are exposed to air, they react with the oxygen in the air by a radical mechanism to form peroxides. This process is called rancidity. Therefore, rancidity is the slow oxidation of lipids and fats present in food. The peroxide formed in the food produced is broken down into aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, etc., some of which have a foul smell and taste. This is called oxidative rancidity.

Other types of rancidity include hydrolytic rancidity, which is caused by the lipase enzyme produced in the food items, and microbial rancidity, caused by the bacteria formed in stored food.

Example

The fat in food turns rancid due to gradual oxidation. For example, the change in taste and smell of butter when exposed to air for a considerable time is due to oxidative rancidity.

Therefore, rancidity is the process that causes both unpleasant tastes and smells in fatty foods.


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