Answer to Question #113532 in Microbiology for Ibrahim jibrin

Question

Salt added to smoked fish is used as a preservative. Explain the principle underlying the
effectiveness of this method.

Answer 1

Salt has been used as a preservative for ages, and works to preserve food in two ways: Salt dries food. Salt draws water out of food and dehydrates it. All living things require water and cannot grow in the absence of it, including the bacteria which can cause food poisoning.