Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen because it:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Removes oxygen from the packaging

Explanation:

• Oil and fat-containing food items are flushed with nitrogen to remove oxygen from the packaging.
• Oxygen can cause oxidation in fats and oils, leading to rancidity and spoiling of the product. By replacing oxygen with nitrogen, which is an inert gas, the food items are protected from oxidation and can maintain their freshness for a longer period.
• This process helps in extending the shelf life of the product and preserves its nutritional quality and taste.

Information Booster:

• Nitrogen flushing is commonly used in the food industry to improve the storage stability of products like chips, cooking oils, and other fat-rich items.
• The absence of oxygen slows down bacterial growth and prevents the degradation of sensitive nutrients like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Additional Knowledge:
(a) Adds nutritional value to the product:

• Nitrogen does not add any nutritional value to the product. Its primary role is to preserve the product by displacing oxygen, not to improve nutritional content.

(b) Removes hydrogen from the packaging:

• Hydrogen is not removed during the nitrogen flushing process. The process primarily removes oxygen to prevent oxidation.

(c) Enhances the flavour of the product:

• While nitrogen flushing helps preserve the flavour by preventing spoilage, it does not directly enhance the flavour. It is more about maintaining the existing taste and freshness of the product.