Final answer:
The optimal time for heat treatments depends on temperature and microbial resistance, with a focus on achieving an F value greater than 3 minutes for sterilization.
Explanation:
The optimal time for heat treatments to work effectively depends on factors such as temperature and microbial resistance.
In the provided examples, a microorganism with a D120°C value of 3 minutes can help determine the reduction in microbial contamination after a given heat treatment time.
It is essential to achieve a thermal process with an F value greater than 3 minutes for commercial sterilization of food products.
Learn more about Heat Treatments for Microbial Contamination here:
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