IFT Article: "Pasteur and Biotechnology: Lessons from the Past"

The furor surrounding the application of recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) to food and agriculture surprises many food scientists. Many feel that a better understanding of the science by lay people would quell the controversy, and several educational efforts have been made. But is the controversy due to a lack of understanding of biotechnology per se or is it, at least in part, a general response to the application of any new technology to food and agriculture? Perhaps a look at past controversies can better guide us in the future.