Science
How does pasteurization work?
Pasteurization works by heating food or drink — like milk — to a specific temperature for a set time, then cooling it quickly. The heat kills most harmful microbes without ruining the taste, making products safer and longer-lasting.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how pasteurization works.
Step by step
- 1Liquid is heated to a precise temperature for a set time.
- 2The heat kills most harmful bacteria and microbes.
- 3It's then cooled quickly to preserve quality.
- 4It makes food safer and extends shelf life.
Frequently asked questions
- How does pasteurization work?
- By heating food to a set temperature long enough to kill most harmful microbes, then cooling it fast.
- Does pasteurization make food completely sterile?
- No — it kills most harmful microbes but not all, which is why pasteurized milk still needs refrigeration.
- Who invented pasteurization?
- It's named after Louis Pasteur, who developed the process in the 1860s.