What is the process of pasteurization primarily used for?

The process of pasteurization primarily serves the purpose of killing pathogens in liquids, making it a crucial food safety measure. Pasteurization involves heating a liquid, such as milk or juice, to a specific temperature for a designated period of time. This process effectively reduces or eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses without significantly altering the flavor or nutritional quality of the product.

While enhancing the flavor of foods, fermenting beverages, and preserving nutritional value are important aspects of food processing, they are not the main goals of pasteurization. The primary focus is on ensuring safety by targeting and destroying potentially dangerous pathogens that could threaten public health.