Comprehension Passage
Food processing encompasses a variety of methods and techniques aimed at transforming raw ingredients into consumable food products or changing food into different forms for convenience and longevity. An integral component of food processing is food preservation, which involves techniques to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of food and ensuring safety. Traditional preservation methods have stood the test of time and include smoking, salting, pickling, and sun-drying. In contrast, contemporary methods have evolved to incorporate high-pressure processing, vacuum packing, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and the use of preservatives.
What role does food preservation play in food processing?
1
It decreases the nutritional value of food
2
It is only used for flavor enhancement
3
It makes food processing more expensive
4
It is used to prevent the growth of microorganisms