Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) prevent the chips from getting oxidised.
· Potato chips manufacturers use nitrogen gas to flush bags of chips to prevent oxidation.
· Oxidation occurs when chips are exposed to oxygen, leading to rancidity and spoilage, which affects the taste and quality of the chips.
· Nitrogen is an inert gas that does not react with the chips, maintaining their freshness and crispiness for a longer period.
· This process is known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and it helps extend the shelf life of the product without the use of preservatives.
Information Booster:
Prevent the chips from getting broken during transport:
· While nitrogen does provide a cushioning effect, the primary purpose is to prevent oxidation. Proper packaging design and materials are mainly responsible for protecting chips from breaking during transport.
Make the packets look bigger for commercial advantages:
· The appearance of larger packets can be a marketing strategy, but the primary reason for flushing with nitrogen is to prevent oxidation. The inflated look is a secondary benefit.
Prevent decomposition of the chips by bacteria action:
· Decomposition by bacteria is not a significant concern for potato chips, as they are a dry, low-moisture product. The primary issue is oxidation, which nitrogen gas effectively mitigates.