What are the three critical metrics monitored for effective pasteurization?

The three critical metrics for effective pasteurization are time, temperature, and pressure.

Time is essential in ensuring that the product is exposed to a sufficient level of heat to effectively reduce harmful microorganisms. It plays a pivotal role since the duration of pasteurization directly impacts the effectiveness in achieving a safe final product.

Temperature is equally crucial because it must reach and maintain a specific level to deactivate pathogens. The higher the temperature, the less time is typically needed to achieve pasteurization, but it must be carefully controlled to avoid negative effects on the product's quality.

Pressure can also be significant in certain pasteurization methods, such as high-pressure pasteurization, which can enhance the effectiveness of the heat treatment. Though it's not universally applied in all pasteurization techniques, maintaining the correct pressure in pasteurization systems helps achieve desired outcomes and ensures consistency in the process.

The other options provided do not encompass the critical aspects of the pasteurization process.