Question

______ is not a sterilizing agent used in Dairy Industry

• A. Chlorine
• B. Quaternary ammonium compounds
• C. Hydrogen peroxide
• D. Sulphuric acid

Hint:

Common dairy sanitizers fall into a few groups: Halogens (chlorine, iodine), Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs), Acid-Anionic sanitizers, and Peroxides (hydrogen peroxide). Strong mineral acids like sulphuric or hydrochloric acid are generally not used for sanitation due to their corrosive nature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify which of the listed chemicals is not used as a sterilizing or sanitizing agent for equipment in the dairy industry. Sanitizers are chemical agents that reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Chlorine: Chlorine-based compounds (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) are widely used, effective, and inexpensive sanitizers in the dairy industry.
(B) Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs): QACs are another major class of sanitizers used for food contact surfaces. They are effective and leave a residual antimicrobial film.
(C) Hydrogen peroxide: A solution of hydrogen peroxide, often combined with heat, is a powerful sterilizing agent, famously used for sterilizing the packaging material in aseptic packaging systems (e.g., Tetra Pak).
(D) Sulphuric acid: This is a highly corrosive and dangerous strong mineral acid. It is not used for sanitizing or sterilizing food processing equipment because it would severely damage the stainless steel surfaces and pose an extreme safety hazard. It is used in labs (e.g., for the Gerber fat test) and for industrial purposes like pH control of wastewater, but not for sanitation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Sulphuric acid is not used as a sterilizing agent in the dairy industry.