Which of the following terms best describes the disinfecting of cafeteria plates?
a. Pasteurization
b. Antisepsis
c. Sterilization
d. Sanitization

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of each term to differentiate them clearly.
2. Step 2: Pasteurization is a process that uses mild heat to reduce the number of pathogens in liquids like milk, but it does not apply to solid objects like plates.
3. Step 3: Antisepsis refers to the use of chemical agents on living tissues to reduce or eliminate microbes, so it is not used for inanimate objects like cafeteria plates.
4. Step 4: Sterilization is the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is often more rigorous than what is required for cleaning plates.
5. Step 5: Sanitization is the process of reducing microbial populations on inanimate objects to safe public health levels, which is typically the goal when disinfecting cafeteria plates.

Key Concepts

Pasteurization

Pasteurization is a process that uses mild heat to reduce the number of pathogenic microbes in food and beverages, such as milk, without sterilizing them. It is not typically used for disinfecting surfaces or utensils like cafeteria plates.

Antisepsis

Antisepsis refers to the use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit microbes on living tissues, such as skin or mucous membranes. It is not appropriate for inanimate objects like plates.

Sanitization

Sanitization is the process of reducing microbial populations on inanimate objects to safe levels, often through cleaning and disinfecting. It is commonly applied to items like cafeteria plates to ensure they are safe for use.