New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What is the required condition for milk and milk products?

1. They must be raw.

2. They must be pasteurized.

3. They may contain additives.

4. They can be unpasteurized.

The correct answer is: They must be pasteurized.

The required condition for milk and milk products is that they must be pasteurized. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that destroys harmful microorganisms without significantly affecting the nutritional value and quality of the product. This process is crucial for food safety, as it reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens that can be present in raw milk. In many jurisdictions, including New York City, regulations mandate the pasteurization of milk and milk products sold to the public to ensure consumer safety. This requirement serves to protect public health and is backed by significant scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of pasteurization in eliminating dangerous bacteria. Raw milk and unpasteurized products, while sometimes available under certain conditions, do not meet the safety standards required for widespread consumption, which is why options involving raw or unpasteurized milk are not appropriate under standard food safety regulations. While additives may be legally permitted in some dairy products, the primary condition of pasteurization remains a non-negotiable requirement for safety.