History quiz

What does pasterization mean?

Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria in milk and other beverages by heating them to a specific temperature for a set period. This process is named after Louis Pasteur, a French scientist who developed the method in the 1860s.

Pasteurization typically involves heating milk to 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds, or at a lower temperature for a longer period. This temperature is high enough to kill most bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, without significantly altering the taste or nutritional value of the milk.

The pasteurization process is widely used in the dairy industry to ensure the safety of milk and other dairy products. It has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses and improving public health.