Pasteurized milk is stored in the refrigerator to ___.

Pasteurized milk is stored in the refrigerator to ___.

• A. Extend the shelf life of the milk
• B. Improve flavor
• C. Increase fat content
• D. Add sugar

Answer: (A)

Storing pasteurized milk in the refrigerator mainly slows down the growth of microbes and slows spoilage, so the milk stays safe and good to drink longer. Pasteurization kills most harmful bacteria, but it doesn’t eliminate all microorganisms or stop all chemical changes; keeping the milk cold slows their growth and activity, extending its shelf life. Refrigeration doesn’t change the fat or sugar content, and while cold storage helps preserve flavor, its primary purpose is delaying spoilage. So the best answer is that refrigeration extends the shelf life of the milk.

Storing pasteurized milk in the refrigerator mainly slows down the growth of microbes and slows spoilage, so the milk stays safe and good to drink longer. Pasteurization kills most harmful bacteria, but it doesn’t eliminate all microorganisms or stop all chemical changes; keeping the milk cold slows their growth and activity, extending its shelf life. Refrigeration doesn’t change the fat or sugar content, and while cold storage helps preserve flavor, its primary purpose is delaying spoilage. So the best answer is that refrigeration extends the shelf life of the milk.