Question

Which of the following is the correct pair of GRAS chemical food preservative, affected organism, and given food matrix?

• A. Sodium lactate - Bacteria - Pre-cooked meats
• B. Caprylic acid - Insects - Cheese wraps
• C. Dehydroacetic acid - Molds - Squash
• D. Sodium nitrite - Clostridia - Meat curing preparations

Hint:

Sodium lactate is commonly used to extend the shelf life of meat products by inhibiting bacterial growth, particularly in pre-cooked meats.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, D

- Sodium lactate is a commonly used food preservative that inhibits bacterial growth, and it is often used in pre-cooked meats to extend shelf life. - Caprylic acid is effective against fungi and is used in food matrices such as cheese wraps, not specifically for insects. - Dehydroacetic acid is a preservative that inhibits molds, but it is more commonly used in fruits like squash, which is not the best match for the given pair. - Sodium nitrite is used in meat curing to prevent bacterial growth, particularly Clostridia; however, the specific pairing with Clostridia and meat curing is more effective with sodium lactate in pre-cooked meats. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Sodium lactate - Bacteria - Pre-cooked meats}}. \]