The Process and Importance of Milk Pasteurization

Milk pasteurization involves heating the milk to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring its safety for consumption. This process is critical because unpasteurized milk can harbor pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, leading to severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children or individuals with compromised immune systems. The introduction of pasteurization has significantly reduced the incidence of milk-borne infections over the years. Despite this, there is a growing interest in raw milk, prompting discussions about its perceived health benefits versus the safety risks.