Chemical Preservatives Flashcards
what are preservatives
chemicals that are added to foods that retard the growth of or kill microorganisms
T or F; most preservatives are added at levels that are bacteriostatic, or fungiostatic and do not actually kill the organism
True
Types of food preservatives
traditional and naturally occuring
3 characteristics of traditional food preservatives
- used for many years
- approved for use in many countries
- produced by synthetic processes
define naturally occuring preservatives
are when a specific food product naturally contains a compound that extends it’s shelf life
name the 7 traditional food preservatives
- organic acids
- dimethyl bicarbonate
- lactoferrin
- lysozyme
- nitrites
- para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters
- sulfites
weak organic acids are the most effective in their _____ & why?
undissociated states because they have no charge and are hydrophobic allowing them to diffuse easily through the cytoplasmic membrane and into the cell. once inside they dissociate and bacterial cells expend excessive energy trying to pump them out. no pumping = structural changes.
explain the reasoning behind the choice of acids used in food preservation
monoprotic acids (like acetic, benzoic, sorbic, propionic) because multiprotic acids are less effective. the pH is strongly related to the preservative effectiveness of the org acid. (undissociated)
org acid = must consider pH and pKa. ph of food = less than 5.5
organic acid with lowest pka =
lactic acid
explain the use of acetic acid as a food preservative
effective against yeast and bacteria than mold.
its used in condiments, bread dough and scald tanks
resistant bacteria = LAB and AAB.
benzoic acid is commonly used as
antifungals; good at reducing ecoli in cider and mold spoilage in grape juice
T or F: lactic acid reduce the aw of the food system further limiting microbial growth
T
explain the use of sorbic acid
inhibit both fungi, bacteria and most yeast. molds cant produce mycotoxins in the presence of sorbates. Used in bakery products for the inhibition of fungi and used in bev syrups, wine etc
Dimethyl dicarbonate
Dimethyl decarbonate (DMDC) is a colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water, and is very reactive with many substances (water, ethyl alcohol, aromatic amines, and sulfhydryl groups)
DMDC mainly targets yeasts, but is also bactericidal
The direct mechanism of action is unclear, but it likely leads to enzyme inactivation
DMDC is added to alcoholic beverages like apple cider or wine to inhibit the growth of spoilage yeast
Lactoferrin
iron chelating protein in milk. restricts microbial access to nutrients via the sequestration of iron, without access to iron bacterial cells cannot grow or divide.