Louis Pasteur contributed to the cleanliness of our modern world and the improvement of our food packaging and storage. He developed the germ theory and was the first person to realize that germs caused disease. After working for a few years with the wine growers of France and examining their fermentation methods, he developed pasteurization. He noticed that while yeast was used to produce alcohol to sugar, there were often other undesirable products. He postulated that these were microscopic organisms with similar metabolic processes to yeast.

He also suggested that these microorganisms could cause disease. He demonstrated that these organisms differed in nutritional needs and susceptibility to antiseptics. He devoted himself to the prevention of spoilage of perishable products, food, and beverages. He introduced in 1856, a heat treatment he called pasteurization to kill microorganisms. Pasteurization is still used today and prevents many diseases. Through Pasteur’s work, we can be assured that our food is safer than ever to eat.

*Picture from Microsoft Encarta Electronic Encyclopedia.

"Pasteur, Louis". Microsoft Encarta Electronic Encyclopedia Edition 2002.

• Used to double check the other pasteurization references. It is not very detailed but had the basic outline needed for general information. It focuses mainly on his life rather than pasteurization.