Question

Oil and fat-containing food items are flushed with nitrogen. Why?

Answer 1

Step 1: Rancidity:

• Rancidity is when the food with fat and oil gets oxidized, and it changes the taste and smell of the food.
• Oxygen in the air comes into contact with fat and oil in the food items and oxidizes the food.

Step 2: Reason:

• The main objective of flushing nitrogen into food packets containing oil and fat products is to avoid rancidity, which results when the oil or fat combines with oxygen and produces an unpleasant odour and taste.
• As a result, flushing nitrogen creates an unreactive environment, which prevents rancidity.

Therefore, food products containing fat and oil are flushed with nitrogen gas.