The concept and application of expert systems in the field of microbiological safety

Abstract

Recent developments in microbiology have led to the construction of mathematical models that can be used reliably to predict the growth and death responses of microorganisms under a wide range of situations relevant to food safety and spoilage. During the same period developments in available software and hardware platforms for information technology (IT) have meant that the construction of expert systems in disciplines like microbiology have become a reality. The concept and stages of development of an expert system are described using an example of a prototype system that assesses the microbiological safety of chilled ready-to-eat meals.