Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Controlling birds in a spray drying plant is very important, and it can be achieved by installing bird nests on the top floor of the plant.
Reason (R) : A major source of Salmonella contamination is from the fecal droppings of birds, and a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted by FSSAI regulations for dairy products.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

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

Hint:

Pest control in food factories aims to repel and exclude pests. Installing nests would encourage pest nesting, making assertion A false.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hygienic plant design and pest control are critical in spray-drying plants to prevent the introduction of pathogens like Salmonella into dehydrated dairy products.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:

• Assertion (A): Controlling birds in a spray drying plant is very important, and it can be achieved by installing bird nests on the top floor of the plant: This statement is False. While controlling birds is indeed highly important, installing bird nests on the top floor of the plant would attract birds and increase their population near the processing area, which would increase contamination. To control birds, factories use bird repellents, nets, spikes, and sealed windows.

• Reason (R): A major source of Salmonella contamination is from the fecal droppings of birds, and a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted by FSSAI regulations for dairy products: This statement is True. Bird droppings are a well-documented vector for Salmonella transmission. Because Salmonella is a severe foodborne pathogen, FSSAI maintains a strict zero-tolerance (absence in \(25\text{ g}\)) standard for it in milk and milk products.
Since Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true, Option (D) is the correct choice.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (D) because installing bird nests would increase bird activity and contamination, which contradicts pest control objectives.