Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Meat curing improves keeping quality by inhibiting growth of spoilage bacteria.
Statement (II): Salt acts synergistically with sodium nitrite in preventing growth of Clostridium botulinum during meat curing.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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

Hint:

The combination of salt and sodium nitrite represents a classic example of "hurdle technology" in food preservation, where multiple sub-lethal barriers combine to ensure food safety.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Meat curing is a preservation method that uses salt, sodium nitrite, and other ingredients to extend shelf life, develop a characteristic pink color, and prevent the growth of pathogens.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
Statement (I) states that meat curing improves keeping quality by inhibiting spoilage bacteria.
Adding curing ingredients—primarily salt—lowers the water activity (\(a_w\)) of the meat, making it difficult for spoilage and pathogenic bacteria to grow.
This significantly extends the shelf life of the cured product.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) describes the synergistic effect of salt and sodium nitrite against Clostridium botulinum.
Clostridium botulinum is a dangerous anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that produces a lethal neurotoxin in vacuum-packaged or canned meat products.
During curing, salt reduces water activity, which sensitizes bacterial spores, while sodium nitrite directly inhibits the germination and outgrowth of these spores.
Together, salt and sodium nitrite act synergistically, providing a much stronger inhibitory effect than either ingredient used alone.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.