Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Bloats is microbial defect of condensed milk.
Reason (R): Contamination with and growth of yeast {Torula lactis condensi at high temperature.}
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

For Assertion-Reason questions, follow a three-step process: 1. Check if (A) is true. 2. Check if (R) is true. 3. If both are true, check if (R) is the correct scientific reason for (A) by asking "Why does (A) happen? Because of (R)."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires an analysis of a specific microbial spoilage defect in sweetened condensed milk, called "bloats" or "swells", and its causative agent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of Assertion (A): "Bloats is microbial defect of condensed milk." Sweetened condensed milk is preserved by its very high sugar concentration (high osmotic pressure). However, some osmophilic (sugar-tolerant) microorganisms can still grow. When these microbes ferment the sugar, they produce gas (carbon dioxide), which causes the sealed can to swell or "bloat". Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.
Analysis of Reason (R): "Contamination with and growth of yeast Torula lactis condensi at high temperature." The primary spoilage organisms in sweetened condensed milk are sugar-tolerant yeasts. A specific species, now more commonly known as Torulopsis lactis-condensi or Candida lactis-condensi, is well-known for causing this gas production and subsequent bloating. This growth can occur during storage, especially at warmer temperatures (e.g., above 20°C), which could be referred to as "high temperature" in this context. Therefore, Reason (R) is also true.
Relationship between (A) and (R): The bloating defect (A) is directly caused by the gas produced from the growth and fermentation by the specific yeast mentioned in (R). Thus, (R) is the correct scientific explanation for (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true statements, and Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).