Final answer:
Preservatives are chemicals added to food to extend freshness and prevent spoilage due to microorganisms. Categories like antioxidants also prevent foods with fats and oils from going rancid and keep cut fruits from browning. Chemical preservatives such as sorbic acid and benzoic acid are regulated for safety and proper food labeling. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another name for chemicals that are added to food to keep it fresh longer is preservatives. These substances are crucial for slowing down product spoilage, which can be caused by factors like mold, air, bacteria, fungi, or yeast. Not only do they help maintain the quality and safety of food by preventing contamination that might lead to foodborne illnesses, but certain types of preservatives also perform other functions.
Antioxidants, for example, are a category of preservatives that prevent fats and oils in foods from becoming rancid and protect cut fresh fruits from turning brown when exposed to air. Commonly used chemical preservatives include sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and propionic acid, among others, which are carefully regulated to ensure the safety and proper labeling of food products.