Question

What is the meaning of the phrase "fats become rancid" in spoilage of food ?

Answer 1

Rancidity is the process which cause a substance to have a unpleasant smell or taste during food spoilage. In more specific term, it is actually, auto oxidation or hydrolysis of fat content present in the food, which results into undesirable odour or taste of the same. Rancidity of fat can take place for many reasons like hydrolysis or oxidation of fat or due to microbial activity.