Subtopic: Reference temperature for F0 lethality value
Question Statement:
In thermal process engineering of canned foods, the standard reference sterilization lethality value $F_0$ is defined for an equivalent exposure at:
Options:
(A) $121.1^\circ\text{C} \;(250^\circ\text{F})$ with $z = 10^\circ\text{C} \;(18^\circ\text{F})$
(B) $100.0^\circ\text{C}$ with $z = 5^\circ\text{C}$
(C) $72.0^\circ\text{C}$ with $z = 8^\circ\text{C}$
(D) $140.0^\circ\text{C}$ with $z = 20^\circ\text{C}$
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
The standard unit of thermal lethality $F_0$ is normalized to saturated steam at $121.11^\circ\text{C}$ ($250^\circ\text{F}$) for an organism with temperature sensitivity $z = 10^\circ\text{C}$ ($18^\circ\text{F}$): $F_0 = \int_0^t 10^{\frac{T(t) - 121.1}{10}} dt$.