Which of the following is not a food preservative ?

Options

A. Sodium chloride
B. Sodium benzoate
C. Sodium stearte
D. Sodium metabisulphite

Answer

To determine which of the following options is not a food preservative, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Sodium Chloride (NaCl)**:
- Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is widely used as a food preservative. It helps in preventing spoilage by drawing moisture out of food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also used for flavoring and in the fermentation process.

2. **Sodium Benzoate (C6H5COONa)**:
- Sodium benzoate is a well-known food preservative, often used in acidic foods such as salad dressings, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices. It is effective in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It is recognized as E211 in food additives.

3. **Sodium Stearate (C18H35NaO2)**:
- Sodium stearate is a salt of stearic acid and is primarily used in the production of soaps, cosmetics, and some industrial applications. It is not used as a food preservative.

4. **Sodium Metabisulfite (Na2S2O5)**:
- Sodium metabisulfite is used as a food preservative and antioxidant. It helps in preventing browning and spoilage in foods, particularly in dried fruits and wines.

After analyzing all the options, we can conclude that:

**The option that is not a food preservative is Sodium Stearate (C).**

### Steps Summary:
1. Identify each compound and its common uses.
2. Analyze the role of each compound in food preservation.
3. Conclude which compound is not used as a food preservative.