Question

What do you understand by rancidity? How can we reduce the problem of rancidity?

Answer 1

Rancidity: The oxidation of oil or fats in food resulting in a bad smell and bad taste is called Rancidity.
For eg, Potato Chips when kept in the air for a long time gives an unpleasant smell and bad taste. Rancidity can be prevented using the following methods:

• Adding antioxidants (substances that prevent oxidation) to food.
• Storing food in airtight containers to slow the process of rancidification.
• Refrigerating food also helps to slow down rancidification.
• Replacing oxygen in the containers with another gas. For example, to prevent chips from turning rancid, chips manufacturers flush the bags with nitrogen gas.