“…(6)), the z-value for the spores of G. stearothermophilus studied in this study (approx. 13 K) was higher than the literature data (6.6 and 10.5 K) reported in previous studies (e.g., Behringer, & Kessler, 1992;Busta, 1967;Feeherry, Munsey, & Rowley, 1987;Lopez, Martinez, Gonzalez, Martin, & Bernardo, 1998;Periago et al, 1998;Russel, 1982;Wescott et al, 1995;Westhoff & Dougherty, 1981). Interestingly, David and Merson (1990) reported a z-value of 16.9 K for B. stearothermophilus at temperatures between 145 and 160 C, which would also be in the range of the z-value determined in this study (Table 1).…”