April 20: Development of Pasteurization (1862)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who prepare, transport, and serve food.
History Note
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) was a French chemist and microbiologist. His research advanced scientific understanding and saved lives.
Pasteur studied the process of fermentation, which is a process of chemical change in bread, cheese, and other foods. Fermentation is caused by microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, some of which are healthy for humans. However, other microorganisms in food cause spoilage and can be harmful to humans.
On April 20, 1862, Louis Pasteur and his colleague Claude Bernard conducted tests that showed that heating liquids killed the harmful bacteria. Over the next few years, this led to the development of a process called “pasteurization” to make beverages and food safer for humans.
Today milk and other dairy products, juices, canned foods, and some nuts are often pasteurized before being sold in stores.
Louis Pasteur in his laboratory.
Learn More
Watch a video about the modern pasteurization process for milk.
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