Each chapter within the text’s seven sections contains an introduction as well as a conclusion, references, and questions. Beginning with the history and development of the field, Part I discusses the characteristics and sources of predominant food microorgasnisms and their significance. Part II introduces microbial foodborne diseases, their growth and influencing factors, metabolism, and sporulation. The third Part explains the beneficial uses of microorganisms in starter cultures, biopreservation, bioprocessing, and probiotics.
Part IV deals with food spoilage and methods of detection, followed by a discussion in Part V of foodborne pathogens associated with intoxication, infections, and toxicoinfections. Part VI reviews control methods with chapters on control of microbial access and removal by heat, organic acids, physical means, and combinations of methods. The final section is an in-depth look at advanced and traditional methods of microbial detection and food safety. Four appendices provide additional details on food equipment and surfaces, predictive modeling, regulatory agencies, and hazard analysis critical control points.
