Question

What is rancidity? What is the general name of chemicals which are added to fat and oil containing food so as to prevent the rancidity?

Answer 1

Rancidity

• Rancidity refers to the bad smell and taste of food, which occurs due to the oxidation of oils or fats.

• Food becomes unhealthy to eat if it is rancid in nature.

Prevention of rancidity

• The general name of the chemicals which are added to prevent the process of rancidity is referred to as antioxidants.
• Rancidity can be prevented by mixing some anti-oxidants into food items.
• For example: carotenoids and ascorbic acid.