Question

$NaN{O}_2$ and $NaN{O}_3$ are used as food additives and generally added to meat to :

• A. retard oxidation of meat to brown coloured material
• B. prevent growth of botulism bacteria
• C. impart red colour to oxidised meat by $NO$ by reaction of heme in blood
• D. make all of the function given above effective

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

make all of the function given above effective

Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are extensively used as a food preservative for many years. They are used as a food preservative in foods like bacon, sausage cheeses and ham. They prevent the growth of and toxin production by pathogenic bacteria. They help to retard the oxidation procedure of meat and thus extend shelf life. They are also known as colour retention agent.

So option D is correct.