“Commercial sterility” implies less than
absolute destruction of all micro-organisms
and spores, but any remaining would be
incapable of growth in the food under
existing conditions. Time-temperature
combination required to inactivate
most heat resistant pathogens and
spoilage organisms. Most heat resistant
pathogen is Clostridium botulinum.
Most heat-resistant (non-pathogenic)
spoilage microorganisms are Bacillus
stearothermophilis and Clostridium
thermosaccharolytom. Severity of
treatment can result in substantial changes
to nutritive and sensory characteristics.
Two typical forms of sterilised product are: