Advances in Food Microbiology: Fermented Foods and Alcoholic Beverages

Food microbiology explores microorganisms in food, studying their roles in food safety, spoilage and preservation. It examines bacteria, yeasts, moulds and viruses present in food, influencing its quality and safety. Understanding their growth, survival and interactions with food components is crucial in developing methods to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. Fermentation relies on microbial activities, where bacteria, yeasts or moulds transform raw materials into products like cheese, yoghurt and beer through metabolic processes. Similarly, in alcoholic beverage production, yeasts play a pivotal role in converting sugars into ethanol, influencing taste and alcohol content. Advancements in food microbiology have refined these processes, optimising fermentation conditions, selecting desirable microbial strains and ensuring product safety. These innovations not only improve product consistency but also cater to evolving consumer preferences for natural, flavorful and nutritious foods. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of food microbiology. Advances in food microbiology is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. It is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.