Control of Salmonella and Other Bacterial Pathogens in Low-Moisture Foods

The food industry has utilized automated control systems for over a quarter of a century. However, the past decade has seen an increase in the use of more sophisticated software-driven, on-line control systems, especially in thermal processing unit operations. As these software-driven control systems have become more complex, the need to validate their operation has become more important. In addition to validating new control systems, some food companies have undertaken the more difficult task of validating legacy control systems that have been operating for a number of years on retorts or aseptic systems. Thermal Processing: Control and Automation presents an overview of various facets of thermal processing and packaging from industry, academic, and government representatives. The book contains information that will be valuable not only to a person interested in understanding the fundamental aspects of thermal processing (eg graduate students), but also to those involved in designing the processes (eg process specialists based in food manufacturing) and those who are involved in process filing with USDA or FDA. The book focuses on technical aspects, both from a thermal processing standpoint and from an automation and process control standpoint. Coverage includes established technologies such as retorting as well as emerging technologies such as continuous flow microwave processing. The book addresses both the theoretical and applied aspects of thermal processing, concluding with speculations on future trends and directions.

Human illness attributed to foodborne pathogenic microorganisms has been prominent in the mass media in recent years. The Practical Food Microbiology Series has been devised to give practical and accurate information about specific organisms of concern to public health. The information is designed for use by those in the food industry working in manufacturing, retailing and quality assurance, those in associated professional sectors e.g. public health, and students in each of these areas. The series is unique in its practical approach as it draws on real life situations to highlight practical means for controlling the organism in foods. Salmonella species are arguably the most commonly reported food associated human pathogens in the developed world. They are zoonotic agents and many different animal reservoirs are known. They can be found widely in the environment and may also establish in food processing environments. Over 2000 serotypes of Salmonella have been identified to-date, some of which cause very serious illness in humans particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Although rare, illness may result in fatality or long term debility and sequelae. Salmonella spp. are so widespread in raw foods and food source environments that the food industry has to maintain constant vigilance regarding contamination in raw materials, effectiveness of food processing systems and control of finished product characteristics for assuring food safety with respect to this important pathogen. This book details the causes of selected outbreaks and assesses the lessons that can be learnt from them. It examines the characteristics of Salmonella spp. and identifies factors that make foods susceptible to contamination and growth of these organisms. Specific product sectors are used to indicate practical measures that can be applied to control Salmonella spp. in foods and minimise their potential to cause harm to the consumer. It also provides guidance in selecting effective sampling plans and test methods to monitor and detect the organism and offers pragmatic advice on action to be taken when the organism is detected during monitoring programmes.

Presents an integrated view of the expression of bacterial genetic information, genome architecture and function, and bacterial physiology and pathogenesis This book blends information from the very latest research on bacterial chromosome and nucleoid architecture, whole-genome analysis, cell signaling, and gene expression control with well-known gene regulation paradigms from model organisms (including pathogens) to give readers a picture of how information flows from the environment to the gene, modulating its expression and influencing the competitive fitness of the microbe. Structure and Function of the Bacterial Genome explores the governance of the expression of the genes that make a bacterium what it is, and updates the basics of gene expression control with information about transcription promoter structure and function, the role of DNA as a regulatory factor (in addition to its role as a carrier of genetic information), small RNAs, RNAs that sense chemical signals, ribosomes and translation, posttranslational modification of proteins, and protein secretion. It looks at the forces driving the conservation and the evolution of the dynamic genome and offers chapters that cover DNA replication, DNA repair, plasmid biology, recombination, transposition, the roles of repetitive DNA sequences, horizontal gene transfer, the defense of the genome by CRISPR-Cas, restriction enzymes, Argonaute proteins and BREX systems. The book finishes with a chapter that gives an integrated overview of genome structure and function.  Blends knowledge of gene regulatory mechanisms with a consideration of nucleoid structure and dynamics Offers a 'DNA-centric' approach to considering transcription control Views horizontal gene transfer from a gene regulation perspective Assesses the opportunities and limitations of designing synthetic microbes or rewiring existing ones Structure and Function of the Bacterial Genome is an ideal book for graduate and undergraduate students studying microbial cell biology, bacterial pathogenesis, gene regulation, and molecular microbiology. It will also appeal to principal investigators conducting research on these and related topics and researchers in synthetic biology and other arms of biotechnology.

This much-anticipated third edition again consolidates the knowledge of more than twenty experts on pathogenesis of animal disease caused by various species or groups of bacteria. Emphasizing pathogenic events at the molecular and cellular levels, the editors and contributors place these developments in the context of the overall picture of disease. Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections in Animals, Third edition, updates and expands the content of the second edition and includes cutting-edge information from the most current research. Comments on previous editions: «…highly recommended.» –The Veterinary Record «…a comprehensive, complete and easy-to-use source of information.» –Veterinary Microbiology «…recommended for graduate students and specialists in microbiology, pathology and infectious disease.» –U.S. Animal Health Association Newsletter «…a wonderful book.» –Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association «…highly recommended.» –The Cornell Veterinarian Graduate students, faculty, researchers, and specialists in microbiology, pathology, and infectious diseases will benefit from this highly-detailed and expanded edition of a popular and well-read veterinary text.

POSTHARVEST PATHOGENS AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT Postharvest diseases caused by microbial pathogens account for millions of dollars in losses of both durable and perishable produce products every year. Moreover, with consumers increasingly demanding minimally processed vegetables and fruits–which can be invaded by human pathogens–there is an imperative need for suitable protective measures to provide pathogen-free commodities that are free from, or contain only acceptable levels of, chemical residues. Providing details of both conventional and modern molecular techniques applicable for the detection, identification, and differentiation of field and storage microbial pathogens, Postharvest Pathogens and Disease Management: * Discusses diseases of both durables and perishables during transit and storage * Provides a basic understanding of the effects of handling and storage practices as well as field conditions and product susceptibility on the development of postharvest diseases * Reveals, as a cautionary note, the potential hazards of mycotoxins with carcinogenic properties that can contaminate fruits and vegetables * Contains detailed information derived from elucidative evidence and disease data in order to explain the infection process and subsequent stages of disease development * Helps readers to avoid conditions that favor disease incidence and spread * Includes real life examples of disease management strategies to help readers develop effective disease management systems suitable for different ecosystems * Emphasizes the importance of integrating several different effective methods in tandem, including the development of cultivars with resistance to postharvest diseases; the selection of suitable analytical methods; and the effective use of biocontrol agents and chemicals * Presents protocols for numerous techniques and basic methods, making the book a distinctive and highly useful teaching and research tool Postharvest Pathogens and Disease Management offers readers insight into the principles and methods of avoiding and managing postharvest diseases of fruit and vegetable products in an efficient, economical, and environmentally feasible manner, allowing producers to sell safer, higher-quality produce to the public and prevent the losses associated with postharvest disease.

Containing proven, high-quality research articles selected from the popular Proteomics journal, this is a current overview of the latest research into the proteomics analysis of microbial pathogens as well as several review articles.

Food is an essential means for humans and other animals to acquire the necessary elements needed for survival. However, it is also a transport vehicle for foodborne pathogens, which can pose great threats to human health. Use of antibiotics has been enhanced in the human health system; however, selective pressure among bacteria allows the development for antibiotic resistance. Foodborne Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance bridges technological gaps, focusing on critical aspects of foodborne pathogen detection and mechanisms regulating antibiotic resistance that are relevant to human health and foodborne illnesses This groundbreaking guide: • Introduces the microbial presence on variety of food items for human and animal consumption. • Provides the detection strategies to screen and identify the variety of food pathogens in addition to reviews the literature. • Provides microbial molecular mechanism of food spoilage along with molecular mechanism of microorganisms acquiring antibiotic resistance in food. • Discusses systems biology of food borne pathogens in terms of detection and food spoilage. • Discusses FDA’s regulations and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) towards challenges and possibilities of developing global food safety. Foodborne Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance is an immensely useful resource for graduate students and researchers in the food science, food microbiology, microbiology, and industrial biotechnology.

Antioxidants and Functional Components in Aquatic Foods compiles for the first time the past and present research done on pro and antioxidants in aquatic animals. The book addresses an area of extreme importance for aquatic foods, since lipid oxidation leads to such a large number of quality problems. Many of these problems are also seen in other muscle based foods, but are exaggerated in aquatic foods, so the book’s contents will be of great use and interest to other fields. Written by top researchers in the field, the book offers not only general overviews of lipid oxidation in aquatic foods and aquatic food pro and antioxidant systems, but also covers specifics and gives the latest information on the key pro and anti-oxidants derived from aquatic foods as well as some of the most recent and innovative means to control lipid oxidations in aquatic foods and food systems with fish oils. Coverage includes the latest research on the effects aquatic foods have on oxidative stress in the human body, an area of great interest recently. Additionally, a chapter is devoted to the latest techniques to measure antioxidative potential of aquatic foods, an area still in development and one very important to the antioxidant research community. Antioxidants and Functional Components in Aquatic Foods will be of great interest to the food science, medical, biochemical and pharmaceutical fields for professionals who deal with aquatic food products, muscle foods products (beef, pork, poultry etc), lipid oxidation, and pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems.

While many food science programs offer courses in the microbiology and processing of fermented foods, no recently published texts exist that fully address the subject. Food fermentation professionals and researchers also have lacked a single book that covers the latest advances in biotechnology, bioprocessing, and microbial genetics, physiology, and taxonomy. In Microbiology and Technology of Fermented Foods, Robert Hutkins has written the first text on food fermentation microbiology in a generation. This authoritative volume also serves as a comprehensive and contemporary reference book. A brief history and evolution of microbiology and fermented foods, an overview of microorganisms involved in food fermentations, and their physiological and metabolic properties provide a foundation for the reader. How microorganisms are used to produce fermented foods and the development of a modern starter culture industry are also described. Successive chapters are devoted to the major fermented foods produced around the world with coverage including microbiological and technological features for manufacture of these foods: • Cultured Dairy Products • Cheese • Meat Fermentation • Fermented Vegetables • Bread Fermentation • Beer Fermentation • Wine Fermentation • Vinegar Fermentation • Fermentation of Foods in the Orient Examples of industrial processes, key historical events, new discoveries in microbiology, anecdotal materials, case studies, and other key information are highlighted throughout the book. Comprehensively written in a style that encourages critical thinking, Microbiology and Technology of Fermented Foods will appeal to anyone dealing in food fermentation – students, professors, researchers, and industry professionals.

The revised and expanded text on food fermentation microbiology With this second edition of Microbiology and Technology of Fermented Foods, Robert Hutkins brings fresh perspectives and updated content to his exhaustive and engaging text on food fermentations. The text covers all major fermented foods, devoting chapters to fermented dairy, meat, and vegetable products, as well breads, beers, wines, vinegars, and soy foods. These insights are enhanced by detailed explanations of the microbiological and biochemical processes that underpin fermentation, while an account of its fascinating history provides readers with richly contextualizing background knowledge. New to this edition are two additional chapters. One discusses the role that fermentation plays in the production of spirits and other distilled beverages, whereas another focuses on cocoa, coffee, and fermented cereal products. Furthermore, key chapters on microorganisms and metabolism have been expanded and elaborated upon, and are complemented by other relevant revisions and additions made throughout the book, ensuring that it is as up-to-date and applicable as possible. This essential text includes: Discussions of major fermented foods from across the globe Background information on the science and history behind food fermentation Information on relevant industrial processes, technologies, and scientific discoveries Two new chapters covering distilled spirits and cocoa, coffee, and cereal products Expanded chapters on microorganisms and metabolism Microbiology and Technology of Fermented Foods, Second Edition is a definitive reference tool that will be of great interest and use to industry professionals, academics, established or aspiring food scientists, and anyone else working with fermented foods.