Question

Which of the following is commonly used as oxygen scavenger in food packaging?

• A. Powdered iron
• B. Calcium
• C. Potassium permanganate
• D. Chlorine

Hint:

Think of the small "Do Not Eat" packets found in jerky, nuts, or cured meats. These are oxygen scavengers, and they almost always contain iron powder that "rusts" to remove oxygen and extend shelf life.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept Overview:
Oxygen scavengers, used in active packaging, remove residual oxygen from sealed packages. This protects food from spoilage caused by oxygen, such as microbial growth and oxidative rancidity.
Step 3: Elaboration:
- Powdered iron is the most prevalent oxygen scavenger. It oxidizes (rusts) as iron reacts with oxygen and water, forming iron oxide. This process reduces oxygen levels inside the package to below 0.01%.
- Calcium functions primarily as a desiccant (moisture absorber), not an oxygen scavenger.
- Potassium permanganate scavenges ethylene, delaying fruit and vegetable ripening by oxidizing ethylene gas.
- Chlorine, a potent oxidizer, is used for sanitation, not oxygen scavenging in food packaging.
Step 4: Conclusion:
Powdered iron is the standard material in oxygen scavenging packets for food packaging, making option (A) the correct answer.