🥛 Rationale: Pasteurization of Milk 🥛

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a fixed period, with the aim to destroy harmful microorganisms.

After pasteurization, it is essential to assess whether pathogenic bacteria have been completely eliminated.

The question is – Which test is performed to check the efficiency of pasteurization?

✅ Correct Answer: (a) Coliform count

Coliform bacteria are indicator organisms that suggest fecal contamination and poor hygiene.

After pasteurization:

• Absence of coliforms → Pasteurization is effective
• Presence of coliforms → Pasteurization is incomplete or faulty

Hence, the efficiency of pasteurization is assessed by the Coliform count test.

Why are the other options incorrect?

(b) Methylene blue test → Indicates bacterial load and keeping quality of milk, not pasteurization efficiency.

(c) Reduction test → Shows bacterial activity, not the effectiveness of pasteurization.

(d) Indicator test → Primarily related to enzyme activity; however, in this question, the accepted exam answer is coliform count.

✅ Exam Point:
Efficiency of pasteurization is checked by →
➤ Coliform Count
(Community Health Nursing / PSM – Book-based MCQ)

📌 Disclaimer: This content is for nursing exam preparation. Always follow standard textbooks for examinations.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
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