Food Packaging Technology Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) on “Aseptic Packaging”.
1. Filling of sterile containers with commercially sterile product is known as __________
a) passive packaging
b) active packaging
c) intelligent packaging
d) aseptic packaging
Answer: d
Clarification: Filling of sterile containers with commercially sterile product is known as aseptic packaging. ‘Asepsis’ means exclusion or absence of any unwanted microorganism. Aseptic packaging is done-
i. to take advantage of HTST sterilization process.
ii. to enable containers to be used that are unsuitable for in-package sterilization
iii. to extend the shelf life of product at normal temperature by packaging them aseptically.
2. The sealing in aseptic packaging is known as __________
a) vacuum sealing
b) hermetic sealing
c) closed sealing
d) thermo sealing
Answer: b
Clarification: The sealing in aseptic packaging is known as hermetic sealing. Hermetic sealing is done to prevent recontamination of enclosed product.
3. Aseptic Packaging is also known as in-package sterilization.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The given statement is false. In-package sterilization is the process in which the package is sterilized after filling. Whereas, in aseptic packaging sterilized product is filled in sterilized container in a controlled environment.
4. Which of the following steps is not included in aseptic packaging?
a) Sterilizing product before filling
b) Hermetic Sealing
c) Aseptic filling
d) Sterilizing product after filling
Answer: d
Clarification: Sterilizing product after filling is not included in aseptic filling. Aseptic packaging contains the following steps –
i) Sterilizing product before filling
ii) Simultaneous sterilizing package before filling
iii) Filling in aseptic environment
iv) Hermetic sealing.
5. The first aseptic packaging of food was carried out in ________
a) 1913
b) 1926
c) 1950
d) 1974
Answer: a
Clarification: The first aseptic packaging of food was carried out in 1913. Nielsen from Denmark aseptically packaged milk in metal cans.
6. ___________ process is used in aseptic packaging.
a) Autoclaving
b) Sterilization
c) Disinfection
d) Heating
Answer: b
Clarification: Sterilization process is used in aseptic packaging. Sterilization is the process of removal or destruction of all microbial life. There are three common sterilization processes –LTLT, HTST and UHT.
7. LTLT is used in Aseptic Packaging.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The given statement is false. LTLT stands for Low Temperature Long Time Sterilization. LTLT process includes heating the product at low temperature for a longer time (LTLT – 63.15°C, 30 minute). This long time process makes it very slow. Therefore it is not used in aseptic packaging.
8. UHT is used in Aseptic Packaging.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The given statement is true. UHT stands for Ultra High Temperature. UHT process includes heating the product at ultra high temperature for a very short span of time (UHT – 75°C to 140°C, less than 5 seconds). This process is very efficient due to the short time it consumes. Therefore, it is very favorably used in aseptic packaging.
9. HTST is used in Aseptic Packaging.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The given statement is true. HTST stands for High Temperature Short Time. HTST process includes heating the product at high temperature for a short time (HTST – 72° C, 15 minutes).
10. Sterilization using irradiation is done by ________
a) Non-ionizing radiation
b) Ionizing radiation
c) Chemical Treatment
d) Thermal Treatment
Answer: a
Clarification: Sterilization using irradiation is done by ionizing radiation. Irradiation is done by one of the following – ionizing radiation, pulsed light or UV-C radiation.
11. Which of the following is used for ionizing radiation?
a) Infrared radiation
b) Microwave radiation
c) Radiowave radiation
d) Gamma radiation
Answer: d
Clarification: Gamma radiation is used for ionizing radiation. It can also be done by X rays, electron beams, or higher energy rays, i.e. short wavelengths (less than 1 nanometer). It acts by dislodging electrons from atoms and form ions.
12. Which of the following is a chemical used in aseptic packaging?
a) Chlorine peroxide
b) Lithium oxide
c) Hydrogen Peroxide
d) Hydrogen Sulfide
Answer: c
Clarification: Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical used in aseptic packaging. It acts by producing peroxide ions which kill pathogens. Other than this, peracetic acid is also used as a chemical sterilant.
13. Canning is also known as aseptic packaging.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The given statement is false. Canning is a conventional food processing method. In canning, the process starts with treating food (by brining or syruping) to inactivate the enzymes. This is followed by filling in cans and sealing.
14. Canning causes less thermal damage when compared to aseptic packaging.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The given statement is false. Aseptic packaging causes less thermal damage as it uses milder heat treatment – HTST or UHT.
15. Which of the following is used for checking integrity of aseptic packaging material?
a) Sterility test
b) Drop test
c) Bursting test
d) Grammage test
Answer: a
Clarification: Sterility test is used for integrity check for aseptic packaging material. Other integrity check tests are-
• Teardown test – sealing strength
• Electrolytic test – pinhole testing
• Dye test – for pinholes in laminated cartons.