D Values

In microbiology, in the context of reducing the microbiological load of a material, the D-value or decimal reduction time (or decimal reduction dose) is the time (or dose) required, at a given condition (e.g. temperature) or set of conditions, to achieve a log reduction that is, to kill 90% (or 1 log) of relevant microorganisms. A 70°C for 2 minutes or equivalent, is based on a 6 log reduction of Listeria monocytogenes. A 90°C for 10 minutes is based on a 6 log reduction of Non-Proteolytic Clostridium botulinum.

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