Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Lactic acid bacteria contribute to food preservation.
Reason (R): They produce organic acids that lower pH and inhibit spoilage organisms.
Choose the correct answer from the options below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

LAB preserve food by acid production → low pH → microbial inhibition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used in food preservation due to their ability to produce acids and antimicrobial compounds. This leads to inhibition of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.

Step 1: Understanding Assertion (A).
LAB are involved in fermentation processes such as:
• Curd formation
• Pickling
• Fermented foods They help preserve food by creating an unfavorable environment for spoilage organisms. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Understanding Reason (R).
LAB produce:
• Lactic acid
• Other organic acids These acids:
• Lower the pH of the food system
• Inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms Thus, Reason (R) is also correct.

Step 3: Linking Assertion and Reason.
The preservation effect mentioned in Assertion (A) is directly due to acid production and pH reduction described in Reason (R).

Step 4: Final reasoning.
Since both statements are correct and Reason explains Assertion: Final Conclusion:
Option (1) is correct.