Question

Why do the oil and fat containing food packets are flushed with nitrogen?

Answer 1

To prevent oxidation of fats and oil present in packaged food they are flushed with nitrogen.

• Rancidity- Definition

The phenomenon in which oxidation of fats and oils takes place in presence of air and moisture.

• Consequences of rancidity

Rancidity leads to a bad smell and bad taste in food due to the production of bacteria over time and due to the oxidation of oil and fat.

• Example

1. Fried food gets rancid if kept in an open humid environment due to oxidation of oil present in food.
2. Milk gets sour if not heated for a longer time.

• Rancidity can be prevented in the following ways:
  1. By adding antioxidants to food oxidation of fats and oils can be prevented.
  2. Leftover food should be refrigerated.
  3. Flush the food with nitrogen gas as done in chips packets.
  4. Use airtight containers.
  5. Store food away from light.