Coxiella burnetii and milk pasteurization: an early application of the precautionary principle?
- 22 February 2006
- journal article
- for debate
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Epidemiology and Infection
- Vol. 134 (5) , 946-951
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0950268806005978
Abstract
Stringency of milk pasteurization has been established on requirements for Coxiella burnetii as being the most heat-resistant organisms of public heath significance. This paper discusses the estimation of the efficiency of pasteurization time/temperature combinations as required in regulations for food safety. Epidemiological studies have been interpreted as C. burnetii being a significant pathogen causing clinical disease through ingestion of milk. The paper examines the evidence and challenges the designation of C. burnetii as a foodborne pathogen. Consequently it questions the need for pasteurization parameters to be established on its heat resistance characteristics.Keywords
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