Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the acid that acts as a primary chemical preservative in Ready-to-Serve (RTS) fruit beverages to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
This question requires knowledge of food preservation. The approach is to differentiate between acids used for flavoring/acidity control and those used specifically for their antimicrobial preservative properties.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
(B) Benzoic acid (and its salt, sodium benzoate) is a widely used Class II chemical preservative. It is particularly effective at inhibiting the growth of yeasts and molds in acidic environments (low pH), which is characteristic of fruit juices and RTS beverages.
Let's analyze the other options:
(A) Citric acid: Is primarily used as an acidulant to add a tart flavor and to control the pH of the beverage, not as the main preservative.
(C) Acetic acid: This is the main component of vinegar and is used to preserve pickles, but not typically in RTS fruit drinks.
(D) Lactic acid: Is a product of fermentation and is used in preserving dairy products and some vegetables, but not as an added preservative for RTS beverages.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Benzoic acid is the chemical preservative commonly used in RTS beverages. Therefore, option (B) is correct.