What is pasteurization?

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process designed to eliminate harmful pathogens and microorganisms in food and beverages, particularly in dairy products like milk. The process involves heating the product to a specific temperature for a designated period of time, effectively reducing the number of viable pathogens without significantly altering the quality of the food. This method is crucial for food safety as it helps prevent foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

In the context of food safety, pasteurization plays a vital role in ensuring that products are safe for consumption. By effectively targeting harmful microorganisms while maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities of the food, pasteurization is an essential practice in both food processing and public health. Understanding this process is key to recognizing how heat treatments can contribute to extending shelf life and preventing illness.