Question:

Which of the following is a commonly used anti-foaming agents in the food industry?

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Silicon-based oils (polydimethylsiloxanes) are the universal industrial defoamers used in cooking oils and beverages.
  • Water-insoluble dimethyl polysiloxanes (silicon oils)
  • Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
  • Antioxidants
  • Gums
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation



Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Anti-foaming agents (defoamers) are food additives used to prevent or reduce the formation of foam in liquid food processing and packaging.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

During industrial processes such as deep-fat frying, juice processing, or fermentation, excessive foam can disrupt operations and cause losses.
Dimethyl polysiloxanes (silicones) are water-insoluble, inert, and highly surface-active polymers. When added at very low concentrations, they spread rapidly at the air-water interface, destabilizing and collapsing bubble walls to suppress foaming.
EDTA is a metal chelator, antioxidants prevent oxidative rancidity, and gums are hydrocolloid thickeners.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Water-insoluble dimethyl polysiloxanes are the primary food-grade anti-foaming agents.
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