Question

Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen. Why?

Updated on May 31, 2025 | By Learnzy Admin | πŸ‘οΈ Views: 428 students

Solution
βœ” Verified

Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen gas to prevent rancidity.

What is Rancidity?

Rancidity is the condition in which fats and oils in food get oxidized, usually by the oxygen present in air. This leads to:

  • Bad smell
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Change in color or texture

Rancid food is not only unappetizing but can also be harmful to health if consumed.

Explanation:

  • Oils and fats can react with oxygen in the air, leading to a process called oxidation.
  • Oxidation of fats and oils produces unpleasant smells and tastes, which is known as rancidity.
  • To prevent this, food packets are flushed with nitrogen, an inert gas that does not react with the oils and fats.
  • Nitrogen displaces oxygen inside the packaging and helps in preserving the freshness and shelf life of the food.
  • Nitrogen is an inert gas, meaning it does not react easily with other substances.
  • By flushing the food package with nitrogen, the oxygen inside the pack is removed or displaced.
  • Without oxygen, the oxidation of oils and fats is minimized or completely prevented.
  • This helps to keep the food fresh for a longer time, maintaining its taste, smell, and nutritional quality.

Conclusion:

Flushing with nitrogen prevents rancidity by protecting oils and fats from oxidation.

Was this solution helpful? 49
Click here to download practice questions on Chemical Reactions and Equations

More Questions on Chemical Reactions and Equations

Question 1

What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving examples.


View solution
Question 2

In the refining of silver, the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution involved displacement by copper metal. Write down the reaction involved.


View solution
Question 3

What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write equations for these reactions.


View solution
Question 4

Write one equation each for decomposition reactions where energy is supplied in the form of heat, light or electricity.


View solution
Question 5

Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of combination reactions? Write equations for these reactions


View solution
Question 6

Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain


View solution
Question 7

What does one mean by exothermic and endothermic reactions? Give examples.


View solution
Question 8

What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?


View solution
Question 9

What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings? Tick the correct answer. (a) Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced. (b) Chlorine gas and iron hydroxide are produced. (c) No reaction takes place. (d) Iron salt and water are produced


View solution
Question 10

Feβ‚‚O₃ + 2Al β†’ Alβ‚‚O₃ + 2Fe The above reaction is an example of a (a) combination reaction. (b) double displacement reaction. (c) decomposition reaction. (d) displacement reaction.


View solution
Question 11

Identify the substances that are oxidised and the substances that are reduced in the following reactions. (i) 4Na(s) + O2(g) β†’ 2Na2O(s) (ii) CuO(s) + H2(g) β†’ Cu(s) + H2O(l)


View solution
Question 12

Why does the colour of copper sulphate solution change when an iron nail is dipped in it?


View solution
Question 13

A solution of a substance β€˜X’ is used for whitewashing. (i) Name the substance β€˜X’ and write its formula. (ii) Write the reaction of the substance β€˜X’ named in (i) above with water.


View solution
Question 14

Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols for the following reactions. (i) Solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulphate in water react to give insoluble barium sulphate and the solution of sodium chloride. (ii) Sodium hydroxide solution (in water) reacts with hydrochloric acid solution (in water) to produce sodium chloride solution and water


View solution
Question 15

Write the balanced equation for the following chemical reactions. (i) Hydrogen + Chlorine β†’ Hydrogen chloride (ii) Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate β†’ Barium sulphate + Aluminium chloride (iii) Sodium + Water β†’ Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen


View solution
Question 16

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?


View solution
Question 17

A solution of substance β€˜X’ is used for white washing. What is the substance β€˜X’? State the chemical reaction of β€˜X’ with water.


View solution
Question 18

Hydrogen being a highly inflammable gas and oxygen being a supporter of combustion, yet water which is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen is used to extinguish fire. Why?


View solution
Question 19

What is meant by a chemical reaction?


View solution
Question 20

1 g of copper powder was taken in a China dish and heated. What change takes place on heating? When hydrogen gas is passed over this heated substance, a visible change is seen in it. Give the chemical equations of reactions, the name and the colour of the products formed in each case.


View solution
Question 21

A shiny brown coloured element β€˜X’ on heating in air becomes black in colour. Name the element β€˜X’ and the black coloured compound formed.


View solution