Milk and milk products can become contaminated or spoiled from various sources during production, processing, and storage. To minimize this, proper sanitation and preservation methods must be used. Contamination can occur from the cow itself, milking equipment, air, dust, or other miscellaneous sources. Pasteurization, refrigeration, freezing, drying, and adding preservatives are effective preservation methods to destroy microorganisms and inhibit spoilage by reducing moisture content or acidity levels. Strict sanitation practices and controls during milking, handling, and processing are crucial to ensure the safety and quality of milk and dairy products.