What is the process that uses heat to kill pathogens in raw milk?

What is the process that uses heat to kill pathogens in raw milk?

• A. Sanitization
• B. Pasteurization
• C. Sterilization
• D. Aseptic processing

Answer: (B)

Heat treatment of milk to destroy pathogenic microorganisms is pasteurization. This process uses controlled heat to inactivate harmful bacteria and other microbes while preserving most of the milk’s flavor, texture, and nutrients. Typical methods include high-temperature short-time (about 72°C for 15 seconds) and low-temperature long-time (about 63°C for 30 minutes). Pasteurization reduces the microbial load to a level considered safe for consumption and helps extend shelf life, but it does not sterilize the milk. Some heat-tolerant spores and certain pathogens can survive, which is why proper refrigeration and handling are still important after pasteurization. Sanitization refers to cleaning surfaces and equipment, not treating the milk itself. Sterilization would kill all microorganisms, including spores, and is not used for drinking milk because it can affect taste and quality. Aseptic processing involves sterilizing the product and packaging separately and assembling them in a sterile environment, which is a different process from pasteurizing the milk before packaging.

Heat treatment of milk to destroy pathogenic microorganisms is pasteurization. This process uses controlled heat to inactivate harmful bacteria and other microbes while preserving most of the milk’s flavor, texture, and nutrients. Typical methods include high-temperature short-time (about 72°C for 15 seconds) and low-temperature long-time (about 63°C for 30 minutes). Pasteurization reduces the microbial load to a level considered safe for consumption and helps extend shelf life, but it does not sterilize the milk. Some heat-tolerant spores and certain pathogens can survive, which is why proper refrigeration and handling are still important after pasteurization.

Sanitization refers to cleaning surfaces and equipment, not treating the milk itself. Sterilization would kill all microorganisms, including spores, and is not used for drinking milk because it can affect taste and quality. Aseptic processing involves sterilizing the product and packaging separately and assembling them in a sterile environment, which is a different process from pasteurizing the milk before packaging.