Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Retort processing of canned foods follows first-order kinetics for microbial destruction.
Reason (R): The rate of microbial death is proportional to the number of surviving microorganisms.
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:

First-order kinetics → death rate ∝ number of surviving microbes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Microbial destruction during thermal processing follows first-order kinetics, meaning the rate of destruction depends on the number of microorganisms present.

Step 1: Understanding first-order kinetics.
In first-order reactions: \[ \frac{dN}{dt} = -kN \] where:
• $N$ = number of microorganisms
• $k$ = rate constant

Step 2: Interpretation.
This equation implies:
• The rate of microbial death is proportional to the number of surviving organisms

Step 3: Evaluating Assertion (A).
Retort processing (thermal sterilization):
• Uses heat to destroy microorganisms
• Follows logarithmic (first-order) death kinetics Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 4: Evaluating Reason (R).
Reason correctly states the fundamental basis of first-order kinetics.

Step 5: Linking both statements.
The proportional relationship described in Reason explains why microbial death follows first-order kinetics. Final Conclusion:
Both statements are correct and Reason explains Assertion. Hence, option (1) is correct.