Which one of the following chemicals is a food preservative ?

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Q: 41 (IES/2014)

Which one of the following chemicals is a food preservative ?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IES

stats: 

0,75,69,19,35,75,15

keywords: 

{'food preservative': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'chemicals': [0, 0, 1, 1], 'sodium bicarbonate': [0, 0, 2, 1], 'sodium carbonate': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'sodium benzoate': [1, 0, 0, 2], 'sodium thiosulphate': [0, 1, 1, 2]}

The correct answer is option 3: Sodium benzoate.

Sodium benzoate is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a food preservative. It has antimicrobial properties and is effective in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds in food.

Option 1: Sodium carbonate is not a food preservative. It is primarily used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of glass and detergents.

Option 2: Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is not typically used as a food preservative. It is commonly used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent and for its alkaline properties.

Option 4: Sodium thiosulphate is not a food preservative. It is often used in other applications, such as in photography and as a medical antidote for cyanide poisoning.

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is option 3: Sodium benzoate, as it is a commonly used food preservative.