What are food preservatives?

Explanation

(i) Preservatives are capable of inhibiting, retarding or arresting the process of fermentation, acidification or other decomposition of food by growth of microorganisms. (ii) Organic acids such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid and their salts are potent inhibitors of a number of fungi, yeast and bacteria. Sodium metasulphite is used as preservatives for fresh vegetables and fruits.