The present invention relates to a process for the production of a polymer comprising the steps of: a) polymerisation of an emulsion comprising a reaction mixture to obtain a polymeric latex; and b) coagulating the polymeric latex by exposing the polymeric latex to one or more coagulant, and isolating the coagulated product to obtain a polymer; wherein the polymeric latex obtained under a) is stored prior to coagulation step b) for at most such a time that the polymeric latex contains ≤500 CFU/ml of pigment-producing organisms as determined in accordance with ASTM D 5465-93 (2012) when subjecting the polymeric latex to coagulation step b). Such process allows for the production of a polymer having a reduced discoloration. The polymers may have a desirable appearance such as an opaque, white appearance.