Which statement about pasteurization is supported by the material?

Which statement about pasteurization is supported by the material?

• A. It is not effective against any pathogens.
• B. It is effective in inactivating H5N1.
• C. It accelerates growth of bacteria.
• D. It makes milk unsafe to drink.

Answer: (B)

Pasteurization uses controlled heat to inactivate harmful microbes in milk while preserving its quality. The material states that this heat treatment is effective in inactivating H5N1, an avian influenza virus, illustrating that pasteurization can reduce viral pathogens in addition to bacteria. Heat disrupts viral proteins and membranes (and, for bacteria, damages essential cellular components), rendering the virus noninfectious and the bacteria unable to grow. Dairy pasteurization regimens are designed to strike a balance between safety and maintaining nutrition, so the process makes milk safer to drink rather than unsafe. Statements claiming it’s ineffective against pathogens, that it accelerates bacterial growth, or that it makes milk unsafe do not align with how pasteurization works.

Pasteurization uses controlled heat to inactivate harmful microbes in milk while preserving its quality. The material states that this heat treatment is effective in inactivating H5N1, an avian influenza virus, illustrating that pasteurization can reduce viral pathogens in addition to bacteria. Heat disrupts viral proteins and membranes (and, for bacteria, damages essential cellular components), rendering the virus noninfectious and the bacteria unable to grow. Dairy pasteurization regimens are designed to strike a balance between safety and maintaining nutrition, so the process makes milk safer to drink rather than unsafe. Statements claiming it’s ineffective against pathogens, that it accelerates bacterial growth, or that it makes milk unsafe do not align with how pasteurization works.