Acidulants?

Q & A section:
a) as a antimicrobial preservative. b) to enhance, mask and contribute to flavor profiles. c) increase the shelf life of foods
 * 1. What are the purposes of adding acidulants to foods?**

The acidulants lower the pH of foods. At low pH conditions, the amount of an organic acid in its undissociated form increases. The undissociated forms have the greatest ability to keep the microbial growth under control. In this way, acidulants act as effective microbial inhibitors.
 * 2. How do the acidulants control microbial growth in foods?**