Question

Ice-cream may contain permitted stabilizers and emulsifiers not exceeding _________ percent by weight.

• A. 0.5
• B. 0.10
• C. 0.15
• D. 0.20

Hint:

Remember key legal standards for dairy products, as they are often asked in exams. For ice cream, the key numbers are minimum 10% milk fat, minimum 36% total solids, and maximum 0.5% for combined stabilizers/emulsifiers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question pertains to food laws and regulations, specifically the maximum permitted level of additives (stabilizers and emulsifiers) in ice cream. These ingredients are used in small quantities to control the texture, melting properties, and shelf life of the product.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Food safety authorities, such as the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), set legal limits on the use of food additives to ensure consumer safety and product quality.
For ice cream, these regulations specify that the total concentration of permitted stabilizers and emulsifiers, when used alone or in combination, must not exceed a certain percentage of the final product's weight.
The established legal limit in India and many other regions is 0.5%. Using amounts higher than this can lead to undesirable gummy textures and is not permitted.
Step 3: Final Answer:
According to food regulations, the total amount of stabilizers and emulsifiers in ice cream should not exceed 0.5 percent by weight.