In commercial food and beverage packaging, which enzyme combination is routinely used to remove dissolved oxygen and prevent oxidative spoilage?

Introduction:
Oxygen management is critical in shelf-life extension. Dissolved oxygen accelerates oxidation of flavors, vitamins, and pigments. The glucose oxidase–catalase system is a classic enzymatic approach for oxygen scavenging in foods and beverages. This question assesses understanding of how that combination functions and why it is favored commercially.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Objective: reduce dissolved oxygen in product/headspace.
• Available enzymes: glucose oxidase (GO), catalase (CAT), and others.
• Safety: hydrogen peroxide must not accumulate.

Concept / Approach:
Glucose oxidase catalyzes glucose + O2 + H2O → gluconic acid + H2O2. While oxygen is consumed, hydrogen peroxide is formed. Catalase then converts 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2. Overall, repeated cycles result in a net decrease of oxygen because GO consumes O2 continuously while CAT safely removes H2O2, preventing peroxide buildup. Process design ensures net O2 decreases despite partial O2 regeneration in the catalase step.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Use GO to consume dissolved oxygen while oxidizing glucose to gluconic acid.Step 2: Immediately add CAT to decompose the generated H2O2 into water, avoiding oxidative damage.Step 3: Balance effect: GO-driven O2 consumption dominates; CAT ensures safety and process continuity.Step 4: Conclude the GO–CAT pairing is the standard oxygen scavenging system.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industry case studies and packaging patents repeatedly use GO–CAT systems for oxygen control in juices, wines, and baked goods, validating the combination’s practicality.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Glucose oxidase-cellulase: Cellulase does not address peroxide removal or oxygen balance.
• Glucose oxidase-lactase: Lactase hydrolyzes lactose; unrelated to O2 management.
• All of these: Only the GO–CAT pair is correct for safe oxygen removal.
• Catalase-lipase: Lipase acts on lipids; not relevant to oxygen scavenging.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring peroxide accumulation risks when using GO alone; assuming any second enzyme will suffice. Catalase is specifically required to detoxify H2O2 while maintaining net oxygen reduction.

Final Answer:
Glucose oxidase-catalase