STERILIZED MILK

_What is meant by sterilizing milk?_

Heating milk for the purpose of destroying germs.

_Does all cows milk contain germs?_

Yes; even when handled most carefully, milk contains many germs; but
when carelessly handled, and in summer, the number is enormous. While
most of these are harmless or cause only the souring of milk, others
are occasionally present which may produce serious diseases such as
typhoid fever, diphtheria scarlet fever, cholera, tuberculosis, and
many forms of diarrhoea.

_Under what circumstances is it necessary to sterilize milk?_

1. In warm weather when it cannot be obtained fresh; hence always in
cities and towns during the summer.

2. When one cannot be certain that the cows are healthy, or that the
milk has been carefully handled.

3. When the milk is to be kept for any considerable time (i.e., over
twenty-four hours), especially if no ice can be had.

4. During epidemics of typhoid fever, scarlet fever, diphtheria, or
any form of diarrhoeal disease.