Question

What is rancidity? What is the general name of chemicals which are added to fat and oil containing so as to prevent rancidity?

Answer 1

Process of rancidity or rancidification is defined as the oxidation or partial oxidation and hydrolysis of the fatty acids and fats present in the food. Food is affected by rancidity as the taste and smell of the food changes. We need to protect food from becoming rancid. We will discuss how it can be prevented from rancidity.

Complete answer:
Rancidity is oxidation of the unsaturated fatty acid contained in the food due to the exposure to oxygen or air and water. Food is affected very badly. Its smell changes to a foul smell and its taste becomes unpleasant. The colour of food also changes significantly. The food is called rancid food.
Rancidity of foods can be protected by some following methods.
Food should be stored in air-tight containers to avoid exposure to the oxygen or air and water. This slows down the rancidity.
Use of certain chemicals known as Antioxidants to prevent the oxidation of the food. They are added to foods containing oil and fats to prevent rancidity.
A common example we see in our everyday life is Chips and food packets. In these packets Nitrogen or inert gases are filled to prevent the oxidation of the food.

Note:
Examples of rancidity can be given as when we put butter in the open for some days it becomes rancid, unsaturated fatty acids present in the butter are oxidized due to the exposure to air and smell of butter changes and its taste becomes unpleasant.