Question:medium

Which one of the following is NOT used in testing for adequate pasteurization of milk?

Show Hint

Pasteurization is confirmed by an enzyme that heat destroys, not by a general bacterial load test.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
  • Phosphatase test
  • Coliform count
  • Standard plate count
  • Methylene blue reduction test
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept.
The question wants the odd one out among four milk tests, the one that does not check pasteurization itself.

Step 2: Key Approach.
Heat from proper pasteurization destroys the enzyme alkaline phosphatase found in raw milk. So checking for this enzyme is a direct way to confirm the heating step worked.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
The phosphatase test looks for that enzyme, a negative result means pasteurization was done right, so this test stays in as a valid pasteurization check. Coliform count and standard plate count instead count bacteria in the milk, giving a picture of overall hygiene, not a direct read on the heating process. The methylene blue reduction test times how fast bacteria decolorize a dye, which grades the keeping quality of raw milk based on its bacterial activity, again not a direct check on the pasteurization step.

Step 4: Final Answer.
Since the methylene blue reduction test grades general milk quality rather than confirming the heat treatment, it is the test not used to check for adequate pasteurization.
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