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Which sulphur containing preservative is used to increase the shelf life of meat products such as fresh sausages and burgers?
Sodium metabisulphite
Sodium polysulfides
Sodium thiosulfate
Sodium phenyl sulfide
Sodium metabisulphite
Sodium metabisulphite (Na2тАЛS2тАЛO5тАЛ) is a common food preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent spoilage in meat products. It acts by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh sausages and burgers.
Sodium metabisulphite (Na2тАЛS2тАЛO5тАЛ) is a common food preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent spoilage in meat products. It acts by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh sausages and burgers.
Think of it as a chemical 'security guard' that patrols the food surface, neutralizing bacteria and blocking the oxygen that makes meat look old and brown.
SMS: Sulphite, Meat, Shelf-life
Na2тАЛS2тАЛO5тАЛ+H2тАЛOтЖТ2NaHSO3тАЛ тАФ Hydration and formation of bisulphite
SO2тАЛ+H2тАЛOтЖТH2тАЛSO3тАЛ тАФ Formation of sulphurous acid
When dissolved in water or interacting with moist food, it releases sulphur dioxide (SO2тАЛ), a potent gas that inhibits microbial enzymes. The reaction is Na2тАЛS2тАЛO5тАЛ+H2тАЛOтЖТ2NaHSO3тАЛ. The resulting bisulphite ions (HSO3тИТтАЛ) interfere with the microbial metabolism and oxidative processes that cause rancidity and spoilage.
Sodium metabisulphite prevents non-enzymatic browning in food.
It acts as a reducing agent, consuming dissolved oxygen in the food matrix.
Excessive consumption can lead to allergic reactions in asthmatic individuals.
It is strictly regulated due to potential respiratory irritation.
Highly effective against diverse microbial flora
Prevents enzymatic browning
Cost-effective preservative
Can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
May destroy certain B vitamins (Thiamine)
Can alter the taste of food if used in high concentrations
Fresh meat products like sausages and burgers
Dried fruits and vegetables
Wine production to stop fermentation
Sodium polysulfides are used in industrial rubber production, not food.
Sodium thiosulfate is primarily used in photography and medicine as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.
Sodium phenyl sulfide is a chemical intermediate for organic synthesis and is toxic for food use.
A is correct тАФ Sodium metabisulphite is a widely used food additive that releases sulfur dioxide to prevent bacterial spoilage and oxidation in meat.
In competitive exams, remember that sulphites are excellent antioxidants in acidic environments but should be avoided in products for asthmatic patients due to potential triggering.
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