Pasteurization is a heating process that destroys most of the bacteria in milk?

Pasteurization is a process that kills most of the bacteria in milk by heating it to a temperature of at least 72 °C (161 °F) for at least 15 seconds. This process is named after Louis Pasteur, a French scientist who developed it in the 19th century. Pasteurization effectively destroys most harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illnesses in humans. It also helps to extend the shelf life of milk by slowing down the growth of spoilage bacteria. However, some beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, may also be killed during pasteurization.