Growth models in predictive microbiology to ensure food safety

Predictive microbiology aims to predict the evolution of microorganisms in foods with mathematical models. Several models have been published and the complexity of some of them makes their use difficult for the uninitiated. However, the use of this discipline will become widespread in coming years. These models provide, for example, additional tools to ensure the microbiological safety of food, to establish the contamination flow in a food chain, to develop and to assist the quality assurance systems. The development of new computer software and database will enable stakeholders in the food chain to have a better control of microbiological hazards. The aim of this summary is to give an overview of existing models of predictive microbiology and their applications. A first approach of the primary, secondary and tertiary models is given. The modelling of latency, integrated models and growth tests are also discussed.Allongement de la durée de vie des produits alimentaires par la compréhension et la maîtrise des mécanismes responsables de leurs altérations (acronyme : CONSALIM)