Which food has a pH level of 3?

Lemon is known for having a pH level of approximately 2 to 3, which places it in the acidic range of the pH scale. This characteristic acidity is due to the presence of citric acid, which not only gives lemons their sour taste but also plays a crucial role in food preservation and can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, making them an important element in food safety. Understanding the pH level of foods is key in the context of food handling because it can influence factors like microbial growth, flavor balance, and overall food safety.

In contrast, bleach is highly alkaline and has a significantly higher pH (around 11-13), making it unsuitable for food consumption. Tap water usually has a neutral pH around 7, which is neither acidic nor alkaline, and meat does not generally have a pH as low as that of lemon, typically ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Hence, the acidic nature of lemons distinctly highlights why it is the correct choice in this question regarding pH levels.