Which consumer practices help reduce risk from pasteurized milk?

• A. Refrigerate promptly after purchase, keep it cold, and avoid cross-contamination with raw foods.
• B. Leave milk on the counter until it foams, then refrigerate.
• C. Freeze milk before opening to extend shelf life.
• D. Shake milk vigorously before opening to mix fat.

Answer: (B)

Post-pasteurization handling is about preventing growth of any bacteria that could be present after purchase and avoiding contamination from raw foods. The best practice is to refrigerate promptly after purchase, keep the milk cold, and avoid cross-contamination with raw foods. Cold temperatures slow bacterial growth, and keeping raw foods separate from milk reduces the chance that pathogens hitch a ride on surfaces, utensils, or hands.

Leaving milk on the counter at room temperature gives any potential bacteria a window to multiply, increasing risk. Freezing before opening can extend shelf life but can alter texture and quality and isn’t a standard risk-reduction step for everyday use. Shaking the milk before opening doesn’t affect safety and doesn’t address temperature or cross-contamination concerns.

So, refrigerating promptly and keeping milk cold while avoiding cross-contamination best reduces risk.