Microbiological Safety And Quality Of Food

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Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food

Author : Barbara M. Lund
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9780834213234
Total Pages : 1080 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (132 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food by : Barbara M. Lund

Download or read book Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food written by Barbara M. Lund and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2000 with total page 1080 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This authoritative two-volume reference provides valuable, necessary information on the principles underlying the production of microbiologically safe and stable foods. The work begins with an overview and then addresses four major areas: 'Principles and application of food preservation techniques' covers the specific techniques that defeat growth of harmful microorganisms, how those techniques work, how they are used, and how their effectiveness is measured. 'Microbial ecology of different types of food' provides a food-by-food accounting of food composition, naturally occurring microflora, effects of processing, how spoiling can occur, and preservation. 'Foodborne pathogens' profiles the most important and the most dangerous microorganisms that can be found in foods, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycotoxins, and 'mad cow disease.' The section also looks at the economic aspects and long-term consequences of foodborne disease. 'Assurance of the microbiological safety and quality of foods' scrutinizes all aspects of quality assurance, including HACCP, hygienic factory design, methods of detecting organisms, risk assessment, legislation, and the design and accreditation of food microbiology laboratories. Tables, photographs, illustrations, chapter-by-chapter references, and a thorough index complete each volume. This reference is of value to all academic, research, industrial and laboratory libraries supporting food programs; and all institutions involved in food safety, microbiology and food microbiology, quality assurance and assessment, food legislation, and generally food science and technology.

The Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food

Author : Tony C. Baird-Parker
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (313 download)

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Book Synopsis The Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food by : Tony C. Baird-Parker

Download or read book The Microbiological Safety and Quality of Food written by Tony C. Baird-Parker and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Microbiological Quality of Food

Author : Antonio Bevilacqua
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0323911315
Total Pages : 734 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

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Book Synopsis The Microbiological Quality of Food by : Antonio Bevilacqua

Download or read book The Microbiological Quality of Food written by Antonio Bevilacqua and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-10-25 with total page 734 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Microbiological Quality of Food: Foodborne Spoilers covers the microbiological spoilage of foods, with a focus on the spoilers, the foods themselves, and the signs of spoilage. The book addresses traditional spoilers (filamentous fungi, spore-forming bacteria, yeasts, SSO in fish), as well as some emerging spoilers (Pseudomonas), now recognized as primary targets. Sections also provide a brief overview of important foods (vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat, and fish) and addresses safety and economic loss. Details on the signs of spoilage, how to prevent spoilers, and methods of detecting spoilage and spoilage microorganisms in foods are also presented. This is an authoritative reference for researchers, scientists and students who need to understand microbial spoilage, the impact of biofilm on the quality and safety of many foods, and the implications of biofilm for spoilage and shelf life. Hot topics covered by this book include the possible link between food spoilage and food safety as a consequence of antibiotic resistance spreading all over the world. - Presents Definitions: taxonomy, definition of food spoilage according to the literature and regulatory frameworks - Provides Case Studies: for some foods and emerging spoilers, along with examples of how to prolong the shelf life - Includes Calculations/worked examples: models and practical examples to calculate the shelf life of foods and to design and effective method to inhibit spoilers

Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 030908928X
Total Pages : 425 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food by : National Research Council

Download or read book Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2003-09-29 with total page 425 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food safety regulators face a daunting task: crafting food safety performance standards and systems that continue in the tradition of using the best available science to protect the health of the American public, while working within an increasingly antiquated and fragmented regulatory framework. Current food safety standards have been set over a period of years and under diverse circumstances, based on a host of scientific, legal, and practical constraints. Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food lays the groundwork for creating new regulations that are consistent, reliable, and ensure the best protection for the health of American consumers. This book addresses the biggest concerns in food safetyâ€"including microbial disease surveillance plans, tools for establishing food safety criteria, and issues specific to meat, dairy, poultry, seafood, and produce. It provides a candid analysis of the problems with the current system, and outlines the major components of the task at hand: creating workable, streamlined food safety standards and practices.

Food Safety Practices in the Restaurant Industry

Author : Nurhayati Khairatun, Siti
Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 : 1799874168
Total Pages : 334 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (998 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Safety Practices in the Restaurant Industry by : Nurhayati Khairatun, Siti

Download or read book Food Safety Practices in the Restaurant Industry written by Nurhayati Khairatun, Siti and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2021-11-26 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, cases of food-borne illness have been on the rise and are creating a significant public health challenge worldwide. This situation poses a health risk to consumers and can cause economic loss to the food service industry. Identifying the current issues in food safety practices among the industry players is critical to bridge the gap between knowledge, practices, and regulation compliance. Food Safety Practices in the Restaurant Industry presents advanced research on food safety practices investigated within food service establishments as an effort to help the industry pinpoint risks and non-compliance relating to food safety practices and improve the practices in preventing food-borne illnesses from occurring. Covering a range of topics such as food packaging, safety audits, consumer awareness, and standard safety practices, it is ideal for food safety and service professionals, food scientists and technologists, policymakers, restaurant owners, academicians, researchers, teachers, and students.

Microbiologically Safe Foods

Author : Norma L. Heredia
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470439068
Total Pages : 697 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (74 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbiologically Safe Foods by : Norma L. Heredia

Download or read book Microbiologically Safe Foods written by Norma L. Heredia and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-04-01 with total page 697 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses on state of the art technologies to produce microbiologically safe foods for our global dinner table. Each chapter summarizes the most recent scientific advances, particularly with respect to food processing, pre- and post-harvest food safety, quality control, and regulatory information. The book begins with a general discussion of microbial hazards and their public health ramifications. It then moves on to survey the production processes of different food types, including dairy, eggs, beef, poultry, and fruits and vegetables, pinpointing potential sources of human foodborne diseases. The authors address the growing market in processed foods as well novel interventions such as innovative food packaging and technologies to reduce spoilage organisms and prolong shelf life. Each chapter also describes the ormal flora of raw product, spoilage issues, pathogens of concern, sources of contamination, factors that influence survival and growth of pathogens and spoilage organisms, indicator microorganisms, approaches to maintaining product quailty and reducing harmful microbial populations, microbial standards for end-product testing, conventional microbiological and molecular methods, and regulatory issues. Other important topics include the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), predictive microbiology, emerging foodborne pathogens, good agricultural and manufacturing processes, avian influenza, and bioterrorism.

Food Safety and Quality-Based Shelf Life of Perishable Foods

Author : Peter J. Taormina
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030543757
Total Pages : 167 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (35 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Safety and Quality-Based Shelf Life of Perishable Foods by : Peter J. Taormina

Download or read book Food Safety and Quality-Based Shelf Life of Perishable Foods written by Peter J. Taormina and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses the shelf life of foods, a key factor in determining how food is distributed and consequently where and when different food products are available for consumption. Shelf life is determined by several factors, including microbiological, chemical, physical, and organoleptic deterioration. Often these factors are interrelated and interdependent. The editors of this volume focus specifically on the microbial factors related to shelf life of perishable foods and food commodities. This allows for more detailed coverage of foodborne bacterial pathogens and spoilage microorganisms of concern. The initial part of the book covers the why and how of shelf life determination as well as the specific microbial pathogens and spoilage microorganisms of concern for perishable foods. Contributors address topics such as the techniques utilized for determination of shelf life, the frequency of shelf life testing for different products, the interpretation of data to make shelf life determinations, and management of shelf life of food products from the perspective of the food producer, distributor, retailer, and regulator. Three key areas impacting shelf life are addressed in detail: sanitation, processing, and packaging. The sanitation chapter explains the necessary components of cleaning and sanitizing to assure a hygienic processing environment and why that is critical to shelf life control. Traditional processing procedures are reviewed and advanced processing technologies are explored. Materials used in food packaging and the utilization of traditional and activated food packaging by product type are covered in detail. The latter two chapters of the book delve into newer techniques of analysis and explore the microbiome of food products. Implications of microbial ecology and microbial quantification in food products are discussed in chapters on genomics and in the changing dogma of meat shelf life. The primary audience for this work includes food industry quality and food safety technicians, managers, directors, and executives responsible for shelf life. Academicians and governmental researchers involved in research and teaching about food safety and quality will also find the material relevant and useful.

Microbiological Quality of Foods

Author : L Slanetz
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0323157068
Total Pages : 299 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (231 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbiological Quality of Foods by : L Slanetz

Download or read book Microbiological Quality of Foods written by L Slanetz and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbiological Quality of Foods contains the proceedings of a conference held in Franconia, New Hampshire, on August 27-29, 1962. Contributors review the state of knowledge of foodborne diseases and discuss the use and efficiency of microbiological tests and standards for food quality from the academic, regulatory, and industrial standpoints. Problems related to the use of microorganisms as an index of food quality are given special attention. This book includes a consideration of total counts, coliforms, fecal streptococci, and the detection of specific pathogens. This text is organized into 26 chapters and begins with an overview of the status of microbiological tests and standards that have been developed to ensure food quality. The book then discusses the concerns of regulators at the federal and local levels concerning food microbiology, particularly the safety or wholesomeness of foods. The next chapters focus on industry perspectives regarding food safety; the role of universities in food microbiological research; and problems and challenges presented by foodborne diseases. The book also introduces the reader to staphylococcal enterotoxins, halophilic bacteria, botulism, and Clostridium perfringens that causes food poisoning. This book is a valuable resource for those involved in food microbiology, science and technology, and industry; bacteriology; and public health.

Microbiological Analysis of Foods and Food Processing Environments

Author : Osman Erkmen
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0323972217
Total Pages : 602 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbiological Analysis of Foods and Food Processing Environments by : Osman Erkmen

Download or read book Microbiological Analysis of Foods and Food Processing Environments written by Osman Erkmen and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-12-09 with total page 602 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbiological Analysis of Foods and Food Processing Environments is a well-rounded text that focuses on food microbiology laboratory applications. The book provides detailed steps and effective visual representations with microbial morphology that are designed to be easily understood. Sections discuss the importance of the characteristics of microorganisms in isolation and enumeration of microorganisms. Users will learn more about the characteristics of microorganisms in medicine, the food industry, analysis laboratories, the protection of foods against microbial hazards, and the problems and solutions in medicine and the food industry. Food safety, applications of food standards, and identification of microorganisms in a variety of environments depend on the awareness of microorganisms in their sources, making this book useful for many industry professionals. - Includes basic microbiological methods used in the counting of microbial groups from foods and other samples - Covers the indicators of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms from foods and other samples - Incorporates identification of isolated microorganisms using basic techniques - Provides expressed isolation, counting and typing of viruses and bacteriophages - Explores the detection of microbiological quality in foods

Case Studies in Food Microbiology for Food Safety and Quality

Author : Rosa K. Pawsey
Publisher : Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN 13 : 9780854046263
Total Pages : 506 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (462 download)

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Book Synopsis Case Studies in Food Microbiology for Food Safety and Quality by : Rosa K. Pawsey

Download or read book Case Studies in Food Microbiology for Food Safety and Quality written by Rosa K. Pawsey and published by Royal Society of Chemistry. This book was released on 2002 with total page 506 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This unique book covers the key issues relating to the control and management of the most commonly occurring food borne bacteria which compromise the safety and quality of food. The 21 case studies, drawn from a wide range of sources, present real life situations in which the management of food borne pathogens failed or was at risk of failure. Each chapter contains a case study which is supported by relevant background information (such as diagrams, tables of data, etc), study questions and a subsequent feedback commentary, all of which encourage the reader to apply their knowledge. With reference to specific organisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and so on, the chapters move the reader progressively from strategies for control of food borne organisms, techniques for their control, appreciating risk, through sampling criteria and acceptance, to managing risk. With the provision of real-life problems to explore, along with the opportunity to propose and justify approaches to managing food safety, this book will be welcomed as a new approach to learning not only by students and their teachers, but also by food professionals in policy-making and enforcement and the many within the food industry who are involved with the management of food safety.

The Microbiology of Safe Food

Author : Stephen J. Forsythe
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 047099942X
Total Pages : 424 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (79 download)

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Book Synopsis The Microbiology of Safe Food by : Stephen J. Forsythe

Download or read book The Microbiology of Safe Food written by Stephen J. Forsythe and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-04-15 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book will provide an overview of the important issues in food safety, which shows no sign of diminishing as a topic of huge concern from industry to consumer. The book does not set out to compete with large standard food microbiology titles that are well established, but will be a companion text with less scientific background detail and more information for those actually going into jobs where a practical knowledge of food safety issues is necessary. The companion website for this book can be found at: http://www.foodmicrobe.com/info.htm Practically oriented Author has wide experience of teaching cutting edge food safety information Topic of great and growing concern Succinct, core, vital information for food industry personnel

Microorganisms in Foods 7

Author : International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319684604
Total Pages : 487 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (196 download)

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Book Synopsis Microorganisms in Foods 7 by : International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods

Download or read book Microorganisms in Foods 7 written by International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-02-22 with total page 487 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second edition of Microorganisms in Foods 7: Microbiological Testing in Food Safety Management updates and expands on information on the role of microbiological testing in modern food safety management systems. After helping the reader understand the often confusing statistical concepts underlying microbiological sampling, the second edition explores how risk assessment and risk management can be used to establish goals such as a “tolerable levels of risk,” Appropriate Levels of Protection, Food Safety Objectives or Performance Objectives for use in controlling foodborne illness. Guidelines for establishing effective management systems for control of specific hazards in foods are also addressed, including new examples for pathogens and indicator organisms in powdered infant formula, Listeria monocytogenes in deli-meats, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in leafy green vegetables, viruses in oysters and Campylobacter in poultry. In addition, a new chapter on application of sampling concept to microbiological methods, expanded chapters covering statistical process control, investigational sampling, environmental sampling, and alternative sampling schemes. The respective roles of industry and government are also explored, recognizing that it is through their collective actions that effective food safety systems are developed and verified. Understanding these systems and concepts can help countries determine whether imported foods were produced with an equivalent level of protection. Microorganisms in Foods 7 is intended for anyone using microbiological testing or setting microbiological criteria, whether for governmental food inspection and control, or industrial applications. It is also intended for those identifying the most effective use of microbiological testing in the food supply chain. For students in food science and technology, this book provides a wealth of information on food safety management principles used by government and industry, with many references for further study. The information was prepared by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF). The ICMSF was formed in response to the need for internationally acceptable and authoritative decisions on microbiological limits for foods in international commerce. The current membership consists of fifteen food microbiologists from twelve countries, drawn from government, universities, and food processing and related industries.

Statistical Aspects of the Microbiological Examination of Foods

Author : Basil Jarvis
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128039744
Total Pages : 354 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (28 download)

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Book Synopsis Statistical Aspects of the Microbiological Examination of Foods by : Basil Jarvis

Download or read book Statistical Aspects of the Microbiological Examination of Foods written by Basil Jarvis and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2016-07-12 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Statistical Aspects of the Microbiological Examination of Foods, Third Edition, updates some important statistical procedures following intensive collaborative work by many experts in microbiology and statistics, and corrects typographic and other errors present in the previous edition. Following a brief introduction to the subject, basic statistical concepts and procedures are described including both theoretical and actual frequency distributions that are associated with the occurrence of microorganisms in foods. This leads into a discussion of the methods for examination of foods and the sources of statistical and practical errors associated with the methods. Such errors are important in understanding the principles of measurement uncertainty as applied to microbiological data and the approaches to determination of uncertainty. The ways in which the concept of statistical process control developed many years ago to improve commercial manufacturing processes can be applied to microbiological examination in the laboratory. This is important in ensuring that laboratory results reflect, as precisely as possible, the microbiological status of manufactured products through the concept and practice of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing. The use of properly validated standard methods of testing and the verification of 'in house' methods against internationally validated methods is of increasing importance in ensuring that laboratory results are meaningful in relation to development of and compliance with established microbiological criteria for foods. The final chapter of the book reviews the uses of such criteria in relation to the development of and compliance with food safety objectives. Throughout the book the theoretical concepts are illustrated in worked examples using real data obtained in the examination of foods and in research studies concerned with food safety. - Includes additional figures and tables together with many worked examples to illustrate the use of specific procedures in the analysis of data obtained in the microbiological examination of foods - Offers completely updated chapters and six new chapters - Brings the reader up to date and allows easy access to individual topics in one place - Corrects typographic and other errors present in the previous edition

Microorganisms in Foods 8

Author : International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF)
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1441993746
Total Pages : 403 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (419 download)

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Book Synopsis Microorganisms in Foods 8 by : International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF)

Download or read book Microorganisms in Foods 8 written by International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-06-02 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microorganisms in Foods 8: Use of Data for Assessing Process Control and Product Acceptance is written by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods with assistance from a limited number of consultants. The purpose of this book is to provide guidance on appropriate testing of food processing environments, processing lines, and finished product to enhance the safety and microbiological quality of the food supply. Microorganisms in Foods 8 consists of two parts. Part I, Principles of Using Data in Microbial Control, builds on the principles of Microorganisms in Foods 7: Microbiological Testing in Food Safety Management (2002), which illustrates how HACCP and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) provide greater assurance of safety than microbiological testing, but also identifies circumstances where microbiological testing may play a useful role. Part II, Specific Applications to Commodities, provides practical examples of criteria and other tests and is an updated and expanded version of Part II of Microorganisms in Foods 2: Sampling for Microbiological Analysis: Principles and Specific Applications (2nd ed. 1986). Part II also builds on the 2nd edition of Microorganisms in Foods 6: Microbial Ecology of Food Commodities (2005) by identifying appropriate tests to evaluation the effectiveness of controls.

Food Safety and Preservation

Author : Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128149574
Total Pages : 698 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

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Book Synopsis Food Safety and Preservation by : Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu

Download or read book Food Safety and Preservation written by Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-04-18 with total page 698 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Food Safety and Preservation: Modern Biological Approaches to Improving Consumer Health explores the most recent and investigated hot topics in food safety, microbial contamination, food-borne diseases and advanced preservation methods. It brings together the significant, evidence-based scientific progress of various approaches to improve the safety and quality of foods, also offering solutions to help address food industry challenges. Recent studies and technological advancements in biological control are presented to control foodborne pathogens. In addition, analytical methods for reducing potential biological hazards make this book essential to researchers, scientists, technologists and grad students. - Covers all aspects of food contamination, from food degradation, to food-borne diseases - Examines validated, biological control approaches to reduce microbial and chemical contamination - Includes detailed discussions of risk and safety assessments in food preservation

Microbial Food Safety and Preservation Techniques

Author : V Ravishankar Rai
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1466593075
Total Pages : 534 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (665 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbial Food Safety and Preservation Techniques by : V Ravishankar Rai

Download or read book Microbial Food Safety and Preservation Techniques written by V Ravishankar Rai and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2014-09-26 with total page 534 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, rapid strides have been made in the fields of microbiological aspects of food safety and quality, predictive microbiology and microbial risk assessment, microbiological aspects of food preservation, and novel preservation techniques. Written by the experts and pioneers involved in many of these advances, Microbial Food Safety and P

The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices

Author : Joshua B. Gurtler
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 1493920626
Total Pages : 437 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (939 download)

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Book Synopsis The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices by : Joshua B. Gurtler

Download or read book The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices written by Joshua B. Gurtler and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-12-08 with total page 437 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Low water activity (aw) and dried foods such as dried dairy and meat products, grain-based and dried ready-to-eat cereal products, powdered infant formula, peanut and nut pastes, as well as flours and meals have increasingly been associated with product recalls and foodborne outbreaks due to contamination by pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and enterohemorrhagic E. coli. In particular, recent foodborne outbreaks and product recalls related to Salmonella-contaminated spices have raised the level of public health concern for spices as agents of foodborne illnesses. Presently, most spices are grown outside the U.S., mainly in 8 countries: India, Indonesia, China, Brazil, Peru, Madagascar, Mexico and Vietnam. Many of these countries are under-developed and spices are harvested and stored with little heed to sanitation. The FDA has regulatory oversight of spices in the United States; however, the agency’s control is largely limited to enforcing regulatory compliance through sampling and testing only after imported foodstuffs have crossed the U.S. border. Unfortunately, statistical sampling plans are inefficient tools for ensuring total food safety. As a result, the development and use of decontamination treatments is key. This book provides an understanding of the microbial challenges to the safety of low aw foods, and a historic backdrop to the paradigm shift now highlighting low aw foods as vehicles for foodborne pathogens. Up-to-date facts and figures of foodborne illness outbreaks and product recalls are included. Special attention is given to the uncanny ability of Salmonella to persist under dry conditions in food processing plants and foods. A section is dedicated specifically to processing plant investigations, providing practical approaches to determining sources of persistent bacterial strains in the industrial food processing environment. Readers are guided through dry cleaning, wet cleaning and alternatives to processing plant hygiene and sanitation. Separate chapters are devoted to low aw food commodities of interest including spices, dried dairy-based products, low aw meat products, dried ready-to-eat cereal products, powdered infant formula, nuts and nut pastes, flours and meals, chocolate and confectionary, dried teas and herbs, and pet foods. The book provides regulatory testing guidelines and recommendations as well as guidance through methodological and sampling challenges to testing spices and low aw foods for the presence of foodborne pathogens. Chapters also address decontamination processes for low aw foods, including heat, steam, irradiation, microwave, and alternative energy-based treatments.