Physical testing of each legal pasteurizer is required how often?

• A. Monthly
• B. Every 3 months
• C. Weekly
• D. Annually

Answer: (B)

Regular verification of pasteurizer performance ensures the equipment actually delivers the required heat treatment, not just the settings shown on the control panel. Physical testing checks that the actual product temperature, exposure time, and flow paths align with the validated process, and it helps catch drift in sensors, controllers, or valves before any batch is affected. Because equipment can drift over time due to sensor wear, fouling, or control issues, this verification needs to happen periodically. The standard frequency is every three months, or quarterly, which provides a timely check without imposing excessive burden on operations. Testing more often (weekly or monthly) is usually unnecessary for most facilities, while testing only annually risks missing gradual degradation. So, every three months is the best answer.