Which harmful bacteria can pasteurization help destroy in milk?

Pasteurization is a vital heat-treatment process used to ensure the safety of milk by destroying pathogenic microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses. By heating milk to specific temperatures for set durations, producers can eliminate various harmful bacteria, including:123

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis14
• Brucella abortus (the cause of undulant fever)4
• Coxiella burnetii (the cause of Q fever)4
• Salmonella species (including Salmonella typhi, which causes typhoid fever)24
• E. coli2
• Listeria2
• Campylobacter2
• Diphtheria-causing bacteria2

While pasteurization effectively destroys these dangerous pathogens, it is important to note that it does not sterilize the milk, meaning it does not kill all microorganisms or bacterial spores. Consequently, pasteurized milk must be properly refrigerated to maintain its safety and quality.1432