Do all ingredients used in ice cream need to be pasteurized?

In the context of ice cream production, pasteurization is primarily concerned with milk and milk products due to their potential to harbor pathogenic microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. The pasteurization process effectively eliminates these pathogens, ensuring the safety of the final product.

While other ingredients, such as sugar or flavorings, do not require pasteurization, it’s important to note that they must still be handled safely to prevent any contamination. Ingredients like eggs, if used, must also be pasteurized due to similar health concerns. However, in a basic ice cream recipe that uses primarily milk and sugar, it is correct to state that only the milk products require pasteurization for safety reasons.

This understanding helps clarify the safety standards and practices in ice cream manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of pasteurization for specific ingredients rather than a blanket requirement for all components.