A body exhumed after 3 months shows no putrefaction, with soft tissues converted to a yellowish-white waxy material. The minimum temperature required to initiate this postmortem change is approximately:

• A 30°C ✓
• B 10°C
• C 20°C
• D 37°C

Explanation

Adipocere formation (saponification) requires a minimum environmental temperature of approximately 30°C (although some sources cite 25–30°C); the warm anaerobic moist environment accelerates the hydrogenation of unsaturated fats. Below 20°C the process is significantly retarded; it typically begins within 3–6 months in tropical conditions. A temperature of 30°C is the accepted lower threshold in standard Indian forensic texts including Narayan Reddy.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.