This unique textbook takes a holistic approach to food poisoning and food hygiene, explaining in clear and non-technical language the causes of food poisoning with practical examples from 'real-life' outbreaks. Now in its seventh edition, the book retains its longstanding clarity, while being completely revised and updated by a new team of editors and contributing authors. Hobbs' Food Poisoning and Food Hygiene gives the reader a practical and general introduction to the relevant micro-organisms that affect food in relation to food safety and foodborne illness. Emphasis is given to the main aspects of hygiene necessary for the production, preparation, sale and service of safe food. Information about the behaviour of microbiological agents in various foods, their ability to produce toxins and the means by which harmful organisms reach food is applied to manufacture and retail procedures, and to equipment and kitchen design. For the first time the book includes coverage of waterborne infections and sewage and, through judicious selection of case examples, indicates the global nature of food and water hygiene today. The contribution of different professional groups to the control of food- and waterborne organisms is also recognized. This book remains an essential course text for students and lecturers dealing with food science, public health, microbiology, environmental health and the food service industry. It also serves as an invaluable handbook for professionals within the food industry, investigators, researchers in higher education and those in the retail trade.

This unique textbook takes a holistic approach to food poisoning and food hygiene, explaining in clear and non-technical language the causes of food poisoning with practical examples from 'real-life' outbreaks. Now in its seventh edition, the book retains its longstanding clarity, while being completely revised and updated by a new team of editors and contributing authors. Hobbs' Food Poisoning and Food Hygiene gives the reader a practical and general introduction to the relevant micro-organisms that affect food in relation to food safety and foodborne illness. Emphasis is given to the main aspects of hygiene necessary for the production, preparation, sale and service of safe food. Information about the behaviour of microbiological agents in various foods, their ability to produce toxins and the means by which harmful organisms reach food is applied to manufacture and retail procedures, and to equipment and kitchen design. For the first time the book includes coverage of waterborne infections and sewage and, through judicious selection of case examples, indicates the global nature of food and water hygiene today. The contribution of different professional groups to the control of food- and waterborne organisms is also recognized. This book remains an essential course text for students and lecturers dealing with food science, public health, microbiology, environmental health and the food service industry. It also serves as an invaluable handbook for professionals within the food industry, investigators, researchers in higher education and those in the retail trade.

A history of the unsustainable modern diet—heavy in meat, wheat, and sugar—that requires more land and resources than the planet is able to support. We are facing a world food crisis of unparalleled proportions. Our reliance on unsustainable dietary choices and agricultural systems is causing problems both for human health and the health of our planet. Solutions from lab-grown food to vegan diets to strictly local food consumption are often discussed, but a central question remains: how did we get to this point? In Diet for a Large Planet, Chris Otter goes back to the late eighteenth century in Britain, where the diet heavy in meat, wheat, and sugar was developing. As Britain underwent steady growth, urbanization, industrialization, and economic expansion, the nation altered its food choices, shifting away from locally produced plant-based nutrition. This new diet, rich in animal proteins and refined carbohydrates, made people taller and stronger, but it led to new types of health problems. Its production also relied on far greater acreage than Britain itself, forcing the nation to become more dependent on global resources. Otter shows how this issue expands beyond Britain, looking at the global effects of large agro-food systems that require more resources than our planet can sustain. This comprehensive history helps us understand how the British played a significant role in making red meat, white bread, and sugar the diet of choice—linked to wealth, luxury, and power—and shows how dietary choices connect to the pressing issues of climate change and food supply.

Food safety is a concern for scientists, policy-makers and consumers especially as food poisoning outbreaks are becoming more common and as particular concerns arise over genetically modified foods. This book covers recent developments in the chemistry, biochemistry and physiological effects of toxicants that might have an impact on human health and welfare.

The aim of this book is to assemble detailed information relating to foodborne pathogens in order to make it readily accessible to those who wish to employ the HACCP system for the control of microbial hazards. The book is concerned solely with foodborne pathogens and does not discuss spoilage organisms. Each chapter provides a general survey of a foodborne pathogen, with appropriate referencing to authoritative review material. Reviews the history and the occurrence of the organism in nature as well as its taxonomy. Discusses the symptoms (but not the treatment) of the relevant foodborne disease syndrome(s), as well as the mechanism of pathogenicity. Consideration is given to the available method for the enumeration and identification of the organism, as well as possible alternative methods. Also reviews the epidemiology of the foodborne disease and its importance. Each chapter concerns itself with the specific parameters that influence the growth, survival or death of the microorganism. Includes information on temperature, water activity, pH, irradiation, preservatives, gases, disinfectants and, where possible, on interactions between these parameters. Written for food technologists, product developers, food microbiologists and regulators.

Food microbiology is a fascinating and challenging science. It is also very demanding with a constantly changing sea of guidelines, regulations and equip ment. Public concerns over food safety issues can overemphasize certain risks and detract from the normal hygienic practice of food manufacturers. This new edition aims to update anyone concerned with the hygienic production of food on key issues of HACCP, food microbiology and the methods of microbe detection. I have taken a 'crystal ball' approach to certain topics. The use of rapid techniques such as lux gene technology and polymerase chain reaction (DNA probes) are progressing so rapidly in the research laboratory that when this book is in print the techniques may be more readily available. New methods for investigating viral gastroenteritis due to small round structured viruses (SRSV) have been developed past the 'research' stage and may become more standard in the next few years. Undoubtedly this will alter our understanding of the prevalence of viral food poisoning. I have also included issues such as new variant CJD (associated with BSE infected cattle) which at the time of writing has only caused the deaths of 20 people, but due to the uncertain incubation time could be a far more serious problem. In the UK there has been a much publicised outbreak of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 which has resulted in a government inquiry and the recommenda tion of the generic HACCP approach. Hence this approach to HACCP imple mentation has been included.

Food microbiology is a fascinating and challenging science. It is also very demanding with a constantly changing sea of guidelines, regulations and equip ment. Public concerns over food safety issues can overemphasize certain risks and detract from the normal hygienic practice of food manufacturers. This new edition aims to update anyone concerned with the hygienic production of food on key issues of HACCP, food microbiology and the methods of microbe detection. I have taken a 'crystal ball' approach to certain topics. The use of rapid techniques such as lux gene technology and polymerase chain reaction (DNA probes) are progressing so rapidly in the research laboratory that when this book is in print the techniques may be more readily available. New methods for investigating viral gastroenteritis due to small round structured viruses (SRSV) have been developed past the 'research' stage and may become more standard in the next few years. Undoubtedly this will alter our understanding of the prevalence of viral food poisoning. I have also included issues such as new variant CJD (associated with BSE infected cattle) which at the time of writing has only caused the deaths of 20 people, but due to the uncertain incubation time could be a far more serious problem. In the UK there has been a much publicised outbreak of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 which has resulted in a government inquiry and the recommenda tion of the generic HACCP approach. Hence this approach to HACCP imple mentation has been included.