Question

What is the role of nitrogen in the food industry?

Answer 1

Nitrogen -

• It is a gas made of two atoms of the element nitrogen.
• The molecular formula of nitrogen is N₂.
• The air contains 78% nitrogen gas.

Role of nitrogen in the food industry -

• The nitrogen gas is non-reactive under normal conditions and hence creates an inert environment.
• The food packets are filled with nitrogen gas to prevent the reaction of food with oxygen (also called as rancidity) and increase their shelf life.