Table of Contents
Heat
High temperatures destroy harmful micro-organisms due to the coagulation of cellular proteins and inactivation of enzymes required
For the metabolism of these organisms. Heat also causes dehydration which makes water unavailable for microorganisms to survive in.
Acids (Acetic Acid, Citric Acid)
Acids reduce the ph. level of foods below the growth range and also Inhibit metabolic activity.
Alkali
It causes high osmotic pressure causing plasmolysis (breakdown of cell walls) of cells. It dehydrates food by drawing out water and dehydrates microbial Cells. It ionizes to yield chlorine which is harmful to microorganisms. It reduces the solubility of oxygen in the moisture . It also interferes with the activity of proteolysis enzymes