What is pasteurization?

• A. The process that rapidly heats and cools a food product to kill potential pathogens
• B. The process that forces product through a sieve with tiny holes
• C. The process of curing meats
• D. The process of fermenting foods

Answer: (A)

Pasteurization is a heat treatment that quickly heats a food or beverage to a specific temperature and then cools it rapidly to kill potential pathogens and many spoilage organisms. This makes the product safer to drink or eat while preserving most of its flavor, texture, and nutrients. It’s not sterilization, so some microorganisms may remain and the product is shelf-stable rather than completely sterile. It’s commonly used for milk, juice, and other liquids. It is different from filtration (physically separating solids), curing (preserving with salt and other agents), or fermentation (microbial conversion of sugars into other compounds).