At what temperature and duration must sweetened milk products be pasteurized?

The correct answer relates to the established standards for pasteurization, specifically for sweetened milk products, which are crucial in ensuring food safety. Pasteurization is a process used to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms by heating food to a specific temperature for a designated period.

For sweetened milk products, the required pasteurization temperature is 155 degrees F, which must be maintained for a minimum duration of 30 minutes. This temperature and time combination is effective in killing harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional quality and flavor of the product. This method, often referred to as batch or low-temperature long-time (LTLT) pasteurization, is especially important for milk that has been concentrated or has added sugars, as these products can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria if not processed properly.

Understanding the specific requirements for pasteurization helps ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protects public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.