In the context of toxicology, pasteurization plays a crucial role in reducing the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that can produce toxins harmful to human health. By eliminating these pathogens, pasteurization reduces the risk of toxin-mediated illnesses, such as those caused by Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These microorganisms can produce toxins that affect various systems in the body, leading to severe health consequences.