Question

Edible oil shows rancidity when stored for a long period.
A) True
B) False

Answer 1

Hint:We should know what are the oils and fats made up of and what does rancidity mean.Edible oils have fat in them and get oxidised in the presence of oxygen . The oxygen when combined causes the substance to get rancid .


Complete solution:
Rancidity refers to the process of any substance getting rancid i.e. getting oxidised in the presence of oxygen and thus getting unfit for eating purposes. When the food has been exposed to the air , the oxygen present in the air reacts with the food and oxidises it . The oxidised food has become rancid now. The rancidity is accompanied by change in colour, taste , smell or texture.
Similarly, oils have fats stored in them . When these fats are exposed to air . They react with oxygen and become rancid . The oils are either completely oxidised or incompletely oxidised. The fat molecules present in the oil break down. When the rancid oil is consumed , it provides strange flavour and colour to the food . It causes a disagreeable smell, texture or appearance. The rancid smell is due to the release of fatty acids .
Rancidity can be prevented by storing the food or oil in an oxygen free environment . It can also be prevented by adding anti- oxidants to the substance .

Hence, the answer to this question would be true.


Note: The fat and lipids present in the oil or food breakdowns into simpler substances in the presence of oxygen .The consumption of these substances is harmful to us.Alternative of these oils and fats are gaining much interest nowadays.