Explain the following term with one example : Rancidity.

Explanation

Rancidity : The oxidation of oils or fats in a food resulting into a bad smell and bad taste is caļled rancidity. We have often noticed that a food containing oil or fat, if left for a long time, i.e., stale food, develops a bad taste and bad smell. This is because the oils and fats present in such foods get oxidized with the passage of time. The products (compounds) formed as results of this oxidation are volatile and have bad smell. For this reason, the taste of the food also changes.
The different methods used to prevent or slow down rancidity is to slow down oxidation of oils and fats in the food stuffs. This is generally done by adding anti-oxidants, by Vacuum packing by Replacing air by nitrogen and by Refrigeration of the food-stuff.