Which of the following is NOT used as food preservative?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly known as baking soda, is not primarily used as a food preservative. It is mainly used as a leavening agent in baking to make dough rise. On the other hand, Sodium benzoate, sugar, and table salt are widely used as food preservatives. Sodium benzoate prevents microbial growth, sugar acts as a preservative in jams and jellies by reducing water activity, and salt preserves food by drawing out moisture to inhibit bacterial growth. Therefore, while baking soda has many uses in food, preservation is not its primary role.
Other Options :
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Sodium benzoate: Commonly used as a preservative in acidic foods and beverages.
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Sugar: Used as a preservative in jams, jellies, and syrups by reducing water activity.
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Table salt: One of the oldest preservatives, used in curing and preserving food by inhibiting microbial growth.