Pasteurization or pasteurisation is a process in which packaged and non-packaged foods (such as milk and fruit juice) are treated with mild heat, usually to less than 100 °C (212 °F), to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life. ... Spoilage enzymes are also inactivated during pasteurization.

How does pasteurization preserve food?

Pasteurization, heat-treatment process that destroys pathogenic microorganisms in certain foods and beverages. The treatment also destroys most of the microorganisms that cause spoilage and so prolongs the storage time of food. ...

How does pasteurization prevent food spoilage?

How Pasteurization Works. The basic premise behind pasteurization is that heat kills most pathogens and inactivates some proteins, including enzymes responsible for food spoilage.