Question

What does a retort used to kill bacteria and produce a commercially sterile food do?

a) It uses high-pressure steam to cook food quickly.
b) It uses laser technology to sterilize food packaging.
c) It employs ultraviolet light to kill bacteria.
d) It uses radiation to preserve food

Answer 1

A retort used to kill bacteria and produce a commercially sterile food employs high-pressure steam to cook food quickly. This method, known as high-pressure processing or pascalization, denatures proteins in microorganisms and extends the shelf life of the food.

Step-by-step explanation:

A retort used to kill bacteria and produce a commercially sterile food employs high-pressure steam to cook food quickly. This method, known as high-pressure processing or pascalization, uses pressure between 100 and 800 MPa to denature proteins in bacteria, yeast, molds, parasites, and viruses present in the food. By using high-pressure steam, the retort can effectively eliminate microorganisms while maintaining food quality and extending shelf life.