Packets of potato chips are usually flushed with which one of the following gases to prevent rancidity?
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Oxygen
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UPSC CAPF – 2021
Packets of potato chips and other similar snacks contain fats and oils. These fats and oils can undergo oxidation when exposed to oxygen in the air, leading to rancidity, which results in unpleasant smells and flavors. To prevent this, the air inside the packets is replaced with an inert gas, most commonly nitrogen. Nitrogen is chosen because it is readily available, inexpensive, and does not react with the food components. This flushing process removes oxygen, significantly slowing down the oxidation process and preventing rancidity, thus extending the shelf life of the product.