Commercial sterilization of processed canned foods uses a 12D treatment which is based upon a theoretical population of 10¹²C. botulinum endospores in a can of food. After treatment, there would theoretically be how many endospores left?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 12D treatment means that the process is designed to kill 12 logs (D) of the initial spore population. Therefore, if we start with a theoretical population of 10^12 spores, the treatment would reduce this to 10^-12 spores, or 1 spore remaining.

Commercial Sterilization of Processed Canned Foods Uses a 12D Treatment