THE PASTEURIZATION OF MILK 



perhaps fed to the children who depend upon milk 

 for their life. At any point along the line of 

 travel from the cow to the consumer it may be- 

 come dangerously infected. If the cows from 

 which it is drawn are not healthy, the milk may 

 start on its journey in an unsafe condition. Even 

 if it is perfectly wholesome when drawn from the 

 cows, it may at any point along its line of travel 

 become changed from its natural state. 



Disease-producing bacteria or other less harm- 

 ful germs may enter the milk from stable dust or 

 from the manure and urine which drops from the 

 cow herself. The milk bottles and cans may have 

 been carelessly washed or the water with which 

 the washing is done may be from contaminated 

 sources. Diseased, or unclean persons may be em- 

 ployed in milking the cows, or in handling the 

 milk after it is drawn. Cans or bottles in which 

 the milk is placed may have been returned from 

 the consumer in filthy condition and have been 

 again used for containing fresh milk before being 

 thoroughly washed and sterilized. Contagious dis- 

 ease may have been in the homes from which they 

 are returned. 



Much of the milk in large cities is handled at 

 4 



