Introduction to the topic

Before we start talking about food processing in more detail, it is important to understand the underlying principles that lead to success or failure in food processing. The most important failure being food spoilage, as it can become a serious health hazard. Spoilage is caused by conditions in which microorganisms, which are in charge of all kinds of decomposition processes, thrive unchecked. Therefore, in this chapter we will take a closer look at microorganisms, their favourite living conditions, the way they reproduce and the processes by which they obtain energy. At the end of this chapter, you should be able to differentiate different kinds of processes in cells, which can be beneficial or harmful in food processing.