Why is it critical to maintain the cold chain for milk below 4^ circ text C throughout distribution?

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Food Science and Technology QUESTION #5971

Question 1

Why is it critical to maintain the cold chain for milk below \(4^{\circ}\text{C}\) throughout distribution?

To prevent lactose crystallization
To inhibit growth of psychrotrophic bacteria (e.g. \(Pseudomonas\;fluorescens\), \(Listeria\;monocytogenes\)) that grow efficiently at refrigeration temperatures (\(0\text{–}7^{\circ}\text{C}\))✔️
To prevent vitamin D degradation
To maintain homogenization stability

Correct Answer Explanation

Psychrotrophic bacteria (cold-tolerant, growing at \(0\text{–}7^{\circ}\text{C}\)) are the primary spoilage concern for refrigerated milk. \(Pseudomonas\) spp. produce heat-stable proteases and lipases that survive pasteurization causing bitterness, rancidity, and gelation in UHT milk. \(Listeria\;monocytogenes\) is a cold-tolerant pathogen.

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