Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : Fish marinates are preserved in a mixtures acetic acid and salt.
Statement (II) : Scombroid food borne illness may occur due to eating the tuna.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

Scombroid poisoning is also known as histamine poisoning. It is prevented by maintaining a strict cold chain (refrigeration) from harvest to consumption to inhibit bacterial histidine decarboxylase activity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fish preservation techniques (like marinating) and food safety issues (such as scombroid poisoning) are key concepts in fish processing and public health.
Detailed Explanation:
- Analysis of Statement (I): Fish marinates are semi-preserved fish products.
They are preserved using a combination of acetic acid (which lowers the pH to inhibit bacterial growth) and salt (which reduces water activity and adds flavor).
This preservation method is commonly used for pelagic species like herring and anchovies.
Therefore, Statement (I) is true.
- Analysis of Statement (II): Scombroid poisoning is a form of foodborne illness caused by eating spoiled fish.
Scombroid fishes (such as tuna, mackerel, and skipjack) contain high levels of the amino acid histidine in their muscle tissue.
If the fish is not kept cold after harvest, bacteria can multiply and convert histidine into histamine.
Consuming these high levels of histamine causes an allergic-like reaction in humans.
Therefore, Statement (II) is true.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true, corresponding to option (1).