MCQs – Chemical Reactions and Equations class 10 science

Review

Question:  What is rancidity?

Correct Answer

Rancidity is the spoilage of food containing oil. Oil present in food get oxidised while come in contact with oxygen and moisture present in air for about three to five days. Such food after getting exposed to air for some days, it starts giving bad smell, and food is not remains consumable.

This process of spoilage of foods because of oxidation of oil present in them, is called the Rancidity or Rancidification. And such food is called Rancid.

Rancidity not only gives food a bad order rather rancidity degrade the nutrients value of food also. Because some nutrients are sensitive to oxidation. Consuming rancid food may cause for food poisoning. So, consumption of rancid food is not advisable.

Rancidity is actually hydrolysis of oils present in food or hydrolysis of edible oils. Since, edible oils get ramified automatically after coming in contact with moisture and oxygen present in air, hence it is termed as Autoxidation of fats also.

Not only food gets rancid, but edible oils also get rancid.

Example

Spoilage of potato chips, spoilage of edible oil, etc.

Prevention of Rancidity

Rancidity can be prevented using antioxidatns as food preservative. Or rancidity can be prevented for some times by keeping food items containing oil in air tight container.