Asmass production and distribution of milk took off back in the 1800s, we started to realize that people were becoming sick from milkborne outbreaks (crazy stuff like tuberculosis, yikes!). In 1864, Louis Pasteur developed a method of killing harmful bacteria and extending the shelf life of commonly consumed beverages. While his original intent for pasteurization was to be used for more social co*cktails like beer and wine, it was discovered as being equally as helpful with the outbreaks associated with milk. This process was named “pasteurization” after its brilliant designer. Pasteurization involves heating liquids at high temperatures for short amounts of time. Pasteurization kills harmful microbes in milk without affecting the taste or nutritional value (sterilization= all bacteria are destroyed).
Excerpt taken from the Conference for Food Protection addressing the Senate:
“Each year, foodborne diseases sicken an estimated 48 million Americans, killing 3,000 of them. Many of these deaths are preventable. Relying on sound science and proven safety interventions- such as pasteurization- is one way to prevent illness. Prior to pasteurization, milk was a common source of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, Q fever, diphtheria, severe streptococcal infections, typhoid fever, and other foodborne illnesses. The incidence of disease outbreaks associated with milk has fallen dramatically since pasteurization of milk became widespread. The number of milk-related outbreaks has dropped from nearly 25 percent of all disease outbreaks due to contaminated food and water in 1938 to less than 1 percent of reported outbreaks today. Importantly, of that 1 percent, an overwhelming majority- 70 percent- of outbreaks are linked to raw milk.”
How can milk become contaminated? Let’s go through a Mooo-arvelous thought train:
Think about how dirty your pet can get. Regardless of how clean you keep Fido, he is still sometimes tracks dirt and who knows what else into the house. Now consider a cow (OR a goat)- not the most sanitary animal you can think of (Sorry Bessie!). No matter what extraordinary measures a dairy farmer takes to keep cows clean, there will still be germs on and around the cow. Plus, throw in the fact that cows live on a farm (again, not the shining example of sanitary) and add humans into the mix (a whole other story!). Some examples of ways milk becomes contaminated include*:
- Cow feces coming into contact with the milk (it’s all pretty close down there!)
- Infection of the cow’s udder (A.K.A. mastitis)
- Bacteria that live on the cows skin- don’t worry Bessie, we all have it
- Farming environment (dirt, feed, equipment)
- Insects, rodents and other disease carrying animals on the farm
- Humans (contamination from clothing, improper handwashing, etc.)
- Drugs used to treat sick cows
*All of these apply regardless of the milking animal. Goat milk has the same potential for contamination as cow’s milk!
So to reduce the risk of contaminants in your cup, we pasteurize. There are two very common ways to pasteurize milk: 1) batch (commonly known as ‘vat’) pasteurization and 2) continuous flow pasteurization. Batch pasteurization involves heating every particle of milk in a large tank or vat to a minimum of 145° F for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Examples of continuous flow pasteurization are:
- High-Temperature, Short-Time (HSTS) pasteurization: requires that the milk be held at a minimum of 161°F for 15 seconds.
- Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization: uses much higher temperatures varying from 275-302°F for 4-15 seconds.
Both HSTS and UHT use similar methods of forcing raw milk through metal pipes and thin metal plates. The metal is heated on the outside, which heats the flowing milk to the appropriate temperature. This system allows for the appropriate time for heat control before it pushes the milk to the rapid cooling area of the pasteurizer. The expedited cooling of the milk to a temperature below 41°F helps to prevent further bacterial growth (the stuff responsible for spoilage) that may still be present and can thrive at middle temperatures (this is why you must keep your milk in the refrigerator!). The cold milk is then bottled or stored in a sealed container to ensure no contaminates enter after the pasteurization process. To become an “expert” on the process of pasteurization, take a look at the FDA’s mini-online course.
The pasteurization of milk has saved countless lives and even more cartons of milk! Bacteria not only causes milk to sour but certain types of bacteriaalsocause illness, so minimizing bacteria in milk is important. Drinking ONLY pasteurized milk from an approved source is the only way of ensuring the safety of your milk and protecting you and your family.
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I am an expert in food safety and microbiology, with a deep understanding of pasteurization and its critical role in ensuring the safety of milk consumption. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making me well-equipped to discuss the historical context, scientific principles, and contemporary significance of pasteurization.
Louis Pasteur's groundbreaking work in 1864 revolutionized the safety of commonly consumed beverages, particularly milk. His method of pasteurization, originally intended for beer and wine, proved equally effective in preventing milkborne outbreaks, such as those caused by tuberculosis. Pasteurization involves the application of high temperatures for short durations, effectively eliminating harmful microbes without compromising the taste or nutritional value of milk.
The significance of pasteurization in public health is underscored by evidence presented at the Conference for Food Protection, where it was highlighted that prior to pasteurization, milk was a common source of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis, Q fever, diphtheria, streptococcal infections, and typhoid fever. The implementation of pasteurization has led to a dramatic reduction in milk-related disease outbreaks, dropping from nearly 25 percent in 1938 to less than 1 percent today.
To comprehend the necessity of pasteurization, it's crucial to understand how milk can become contaminated. Factors such as cow feces, udder infections, bacteria on the cow's skin, the farming environment, insects, rodents, and human contamination contribute to the potential hazards. Regardless of the milking animal, be it a cow or a goat, the risk of contamination exists.
To mitigate these risks, the pasteurization process is employed, and there are two common methods: batch (vat) pasteurization and continuous flow pasteurization. Batch pasteurization heats every particle of milk in a large tank to a minimum of 145°F for at least 30 minutes. Continuous flow pasteurization includes High-Temperature, Short-Time (HSTS) pasteurization, requiring milk to be held at a minimum of 161°F for 15 seconds, and Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, which utilizes temperatures ranging from 275-302°F for 4-15 seconds.
Both HSTS and UHT methods involve heating raw milk through metal pipes and plates, followed by rapid cooling to prevent bacterial growth. The expedited cooling ensures that the milk is stored in sealed containers below 41°F, preventing further contamination. The FDA's mini-online course is a valuable resource for those seeking in-depth knowledge on the pasteurization process.
In conclusion, pasteurization has played a pivotal role in saving lives and preserving the safety of milk. By minimizing bacteria in milk through pasteurization, we not only prevent spoilage but also protect consumers from potential illnesses. Consuming only pasteurized milk from approved sources is the key to ensuring the safety of milk for individuals and families alike.
