Nitrates: Food Preservatives

The video explains the dual role of potassium nitrate as a preservative and a component of gunpowder. It highlights its natural occurrence and industrial production, emphasizing its importance in food safety by preventing botulism. The industrial process involves the Haber process to produce ammonia, which is then used to create various nitrate compounds. Potassium nitrate is considered safe as a preservative, despite its historical use in explosives.

What is one of the natural roles of potassium nitrate?

• To increase the acidity of food

• To enhance the color of food

• To act as a sweetener

• To preserve food by preventing bacterial growth

Which bacterium is known for producing a deadly toxin that potassium nitrate helps control?

• Salmonella

• E. coli

• C botulinum

• Listeria

How does potassium nitrate contribute to food safety?

• By enhancing flavor

• By preventing bacterial spores from germinating

• By increasing shelf life through dehydration

• By adding nutritional value

What is the primary industrial process used to produce ammonia for nitrate salts?

• Solvay process

• Contact process

• Haber process

• Ostwald process

In what form is potassium nitrate considered outdated?

• As a fertilizer

• As a food additive

• As a preservative

• As an explosive