What quality attribute does a coliform test assess in pasteurized milk?

The coliform test in pasteurized milk primarily assesses microbial safety. This test detects the presence of coliform bacteria, which are indicators of potential contamination and the presence of harmful pathogens. Coliforms are typically found in the environment, as well as in the feces of warm-blooded animals, and their presence in milk suggests that the milk may have been contaminated during processing, handling, or storage.

Milk undergoes pasteurization to eliminate pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. However, if coliforms are detected after pasteurization, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of the pasteurization process and could indicate that the milk is not safe for consumption. Thus, the coliform test serves as a critical means of monitoring the microbial safety of pasteurized milk, ensuring that it meets health and safety standards before reaching consumers.

The other options do not relate to the primary purpose of the coliform test; nutritional value, pesticide residues, and flavor profile pertain to different aspects of milk quality and safety that are not directly addressed by this specific microbial test.