What is pasteurization designed to eliminate?

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process designed specifically to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, which are bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can cause disease in humans. The process involves heating food and beverages to a specific temperature for a certain period of time, which effectively reduces the number of harmful organisms without significantly affecting the quality and nutritional value of the product.

This method is particularly important in the dairy and juice industries, as it helps to ensure food safety while preserving taste and nutritional content. While pasteurization does reduce the overall bacterial load, it does not eliminate all bacteria present in food, nor is it intended to destroy enzymes that may contribute to spoilage in some products. Additionally, pasteurization has no significant impact on the vitamins and minerals in food, making it an effective means of enhancing food safety without compromising nutritional quality.