Question

Chemical preservatives do not include

• A. \( \text{Alcohol} \)
• B. \( \text{Sulfites} \)
• C. \( \text{Organic acids} \)
• D. \( \text{Starch} \)

Hint:

Preservatives usually interact with biological pathways to stop growth, whereas starch is a passive nutritional filler.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Chemical preservatives are substances added to products like food or pharmaceuticals to prevent decomposition by microbial growth.
• They work by inhibiting the metabolism or destroying the cell walls of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
• Preservatives must have antimicrobial properties to be effective.

Step 1: Analyzing Active Preservative Agents.
Alcohols (like ethanol) are well-known antimicrobial agents that denature proteins. Sulfites are commonly used in the wine and dried fruit industries to inhibit browning and bacterial spoilage. Organic acids (like acetic or benzoic acid) lower the pH of products, creating an environment hostile to microbes.

Step 2: Identifying the Exception.
Starch is a complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) primarily used as a source of energy or a thickening agent. Starch does not possess antimicrobial properties; in fact, it can often serve as a substrate for microbial fermentation. Therefore, starch is not categorized as a chemical preservative. Final Answer: Chemical preservatives do not include Starch.