What is pasteurisation? Is pasteurised milk sterile? Explain.

Answer 1

Pasteurization/pasteurisation is a pathogen-killing technique named after Louis Pasteur who in the 19th century, showed how heating beverages such as wine and beer could prevent abnormal fermentation caused by bacteria. This technique is used today to eliminate harmful pathogens in packaged and non-packaged foods.

Pasteurization DOES NOT achieve sterility, but it does get rid of many harmful pathogens.

There are 3 forms of pasteurization processes:

Flash: heated at 71.6 °C for 15 seconds

Holding: heated at 62.9 °C for 30 minutes

Ultra-high temperature: heated from 74°C to 140°C in 5 seconds.