Question

Pasteurization is used to

• A. Sterilize milk
• B. Kill harmful microbes in milk
• C. Cool down the temperature of milk
• D. Increase the temperature of milk

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Kill harmful microbes in milk

• Pasteurization is the process of heating up milk to a high temperature for a short time and then cooling it down again quickly.
  
• It requires temperatures of about 63${}^o$C maintained for 30 minutes or, alternatively, heating to a higher temperature, 72${}^o$C, and holding for 15 seconds.
• It reduces the number of pathogens (bacteria or viruses that can cause diseases) to greatly decrease our chances of getting a disease.
• So, the correct answer is 'Kill harmful microbes in milk'.