Sterilization is a term referring to any process that eliminates (removes) or kills all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc.) present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media. It aims to destroy or partially/totally inhibit enzymes and microorganisms, whose presence or proliferation could alter the food or make it unfit for human consumption. The heat sterilization involves exposing food to a temperature generally exceeding 100◦C for a period sufficient to inhibit enzymes and all forms of microorganisms including bacteria spore. One of the first steps toward sterilization was made by Nicolas Appert. He learned that thorough cooking (applying a suitable amount of heat over a suitable period of time) slowed the decay of foods and various liquids, preserving them for safe consumption for a longer time than was typical. Canning of foods is an extension of the same principle, and has helped to reduce food borne illness ("food poisoning"). Other methods of sterilizing foods include food irradiation and pascalization (the use of high pressure to kill microorganisms).
Nicolas Appert Canning of foods