GED Science Practice

What does the process of partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in food chemistry refer to?

1. Pasteurization

2. Parasite

3. Penicillin

4. Payload

The correct answer is: Pasteurization

The described process is known as pasteurization, which involves heating food and beverages to a specific temperature for a set period of time to effectively reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms. This method is crucial because it ensures food safety by targeting harmful bacteria without significantly altering the taste, texture, or nutritional value of the food. Pasteurization was developed by Louis Pasteur in the 19th century and is commonly used for dairy products, juices, canned foods, and more. The goal is to achieve a balance between killing harmful pathogens and preserving the quality of the food. Other terms given in the choices refer to different concepts; for instance, parasites are organisms that live off other hosts, penicillin is an antibiotic derived from mold that fights bacterial infections, and payload typically refers to the carrying capacity of a transport vehicle, which is unrelated to food processing. This understanding highlights the importance of pasteurization as a food safety measure.