The present invention relates to a process for fast and homogeneously heating a liquid product to a predetermined temperature by means of resistive heating. According to the invention, sufficient and effective microbial inactivation is achieved upon applying an electrical field strength of between 0.1 - 5.0 kV/cm for a prolonged period of time, thus by selecting a relatively low electrical field strength and a pulse duration of at least 10 microseconds while the maximum temperature of the liquid product autonomously remains below 92°C during the resistive heating. The process of the invention is efficient at neutral pH and at pH below 7. Furthermore, the process of the invention is efficient in inactivating a broad array of relevant micro-organisms. The present invention further relates to said process wherein the liquid product is pre-heated prior to subjecting the liquid product to the process. The present invention also relates to the liquid product obtainable by the process according to the invention.