Thermal inactivation of Yersinia enterocolitica in milk.

Three strains of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from milk had D values at 62.8 degrees C from 0.24 to 0.96 min and z values of 5.11 to 5.78 degrees C. Since the pasteurization processes for dairy products recommended by the Food and Drug Administration are adequate to destroy large concentrations of these organisms, Y. enterocolitica in pasteurized milk probably results from substandard processing or recontamination after pasteurization.