Final answer:
The function of R&D responsible for analyzing the vitamin C content in Mott's apple juice is Quality Control, which uses Chemical Analysis to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance. Product Development and Market Research also play roles in the R&D process but focus on innovation and market analysis, respectively. The correct answer is option a) Quality Control
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of R&D responsible for analyzing the vitamin C content in Mott's apple juice is the Quality Control department. Quality Control is a critical component of the Research and Development (R&D) division in a food company, as it ensures that the products meet certain standards and regulations related to food safety and nutritional content. It involves routine testing and analysis to verify that a product's contents are consistent with its labeling and to maintain the standards set by the company and regulatory bodies.
Chemical Analysis is often a part of the Quality Control process. This involves specific tests like the determination of vitamin C content using various chemical assays. The department responsible for this analysis uses scientific methods to accurately measure the levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional components present in the juice. These results are crucial for both compliance with government nutrition labeling laws and for maintaining consumers' trust in the brand.
In contrast, Product Development focuses on creating new products or improving existing ones, while Market Research is concerned with understanding consumer preferences and market trends. These functions, although different from Quality Control, are essential to a product's success and work in conjunction with Quality Control to ensure a high-quality and marketable product.