Food microbiology notes
Food microbiology notes
Beneficial Microorganisms:
o Fermentation: Production of yogurt (Lactobacillus), cheese (Streptococcus
thermophilus), bread (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and alcoholic beverages.
o Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria for gut health (e.g., Bifidobacterium,
Lactobacillus).
Spoilage Microorganisms:
o Cause off-flavors, odors, texture changes (e.g., Pseudomonas, Clostridium, molds
like Rhizopus).
Pathogenic Microorganisms:
o Cause foodborne illnesses (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli
O157:H7).
3. Foodborne Pathogens
Bacteria:
o Salmonella: Found in poultry, eggs; causes diarrhea, fever.
o Listeria monocytogenes: Associated with deli meats, unpasteurized dairy; causes
meningitis in immunocompromised individuals.
o Escherichia coli O157:H7: Found in undercooked beef, fresh produce; causes
hemolytic uremic syndrome.
o Clostridium botulinum: Produces botulinum toxin in improperly canned foods.
Viruses:
o Norovirus: Common in shellfish, contaminated water; causes gastroenteritis.
o Hepatitis A: Transmitted via contaminated food/water.
Parasites:
o Toxoplasma gondii: Found in undercooked meat, cat feces; risks for pregnant
women.
o Cryptosporidium: Transmitted through contaminated water.
4. Food Spoilage
Causes:
o Bacteria (Pseudomonas, Clostridium).
o Yeasts (Candida, Saccharomyces).
o Molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium).
Types of Spoilage:
o Physical: Texture and appearance changes.
o Chemical: Lipid oxidation, enzymatic browning.
o Microbial: Sliminess, gas production, foul odor.
5. Fermented Foods
Dairy Products:
o Yogurt (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus).
o Cheese (Penicillium for blue cheese).
Beverages:
o Beer (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces pastorianus).
o Wine (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Vegetables:
o Sauerkraut (Lactobacillus plantarum).
o Kimchi (Leuconostoc mesenteroides).
Other Foods: Soy sauce (Aspergillus oryzae), bread (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Physical Methods:
o Temperature: Refrigeration (4°C), freezing (-18°C), pasteurization, sterilization.
o Drying: Reduces water activity (e.g., dehydration, freeze-drying).
o Radiation: UV light, gamma rays for sterilization.
Chemical Methods:
o Preservatives: Salt, sugar, acids (e.g., vinegar), nitrates.
o Antimicrobials: Sodium benzoate, sorbic acid.
Biological Methods:
o Fermentation: Preserves food via acid or alcohol production.
Packaging:
o Vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
Microbial Enumeration:
o Total plate count (TPC), most probable number (MPN).
Rapid Detection Methods:
o PCR, ELISA, lateral flow assays.
Indicator Organisms:
o E. coli, coliforms, Enterococcus as hygiene indicators.