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Home preservation depends on the food matrix, refrigerator design/technology, consumer actions, and ambient temperature. Storing different food matrices in product‐relevant refrigerator locations generating different temperature histories can be used to develop an indicator of how refrigerator technology, consumer habits, and environment conditions impact the refrigerator food preservation performance. In this study, poultry, particularly prone to spoilage reflecting its pH, nutrient availability, and high aw, was used to evaluate refrigerator preservation performance as affected by compressor technology (single [SS] and variable speed [VS]), ambient temperature (21.1°C [LT] and 32.2°C [HT]), and refrigerator load (22.5 kg [RL] and 39 kg [HL]). Time‐temperature values collected for chicken breast stored in a drawer independently controlled at 0°C in a refrigerator set 5°C, and a Pseudomonas predictive microbiology model, were used to estimate a normalized refrigerator performance indicator (RPI). Values <1, ∼1, and >1 described excellent, good, or poor performance, respectively. A first analysis revealed that up to 54% of chicken breast temperatures were above its recommended refrigerated storage value. When ignoring variability sources, SS technology yielded RPI values ranging 0.61–0.70, whereas the more energy efficient VS compressor yielded values ranging 0.86–1.14. The higher and wider VS RPI range reflects a compressor control logic optimized for energy efficiency compliance while disregarding effects on food preservation. When considering the variability of model parameters and temperature measurements through one‐sided 95% confidence intervals yielded RPI reaching 1.16. Although the independently controlled drawer preservation performance was near optimal, it can improve by considering energy use and preservation impact when optimizing the compressor speed control protocol. Practical Application: Worldwide poultry meat consumption has reached 15 kg per person. Refrigeration is widely used for its safety and quality preservation. Efficiency regulations decreased the energy use of residential refrigerators by nearly tenfold even though their size increased by 50% in the last half century. In this study, we provide quantitative evidence that their preservation performance must be improved. This is particularly true for upper end units typically equipped with quieter and more energy‐efficient variable speed compressors. The same methodology can be used to evaluate the preservation performance of the storage units, trucks, and display cases used for refrigerated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the performance of residential refrigerators, the worst cold chain point. Cooked ham temperature was used to quantify their performance as affected by compressor technology (single speed, SS/variable speed, VS), ambient temperature (21.1°C, LT/32.2°C, HT), load (22.5 kg, RL/39.0 kg, HL), sample type (F = fixed, M = moved to emulate consumption during meals), and door openings emulating consumer practices. Cumulative growth for each 48 h test period (LAB APIT(t)) was estimated deterministically and probabilistically, i.e. considering only means and including variability, respectively. APIT(t) at the 5°C recommended for ham yielded 0.6157 log CFU/g. The ratio APIT(t)/API5°C defined a refrigerator performance indicator (RPI) with values above and below 1 indicating poor and superior performance, respectively. While deterministic RPI values ranged from 0.99 to 1.72 (SS/LT/RL/F and VS/HT/HL/M conditions, respectively), probabilistic 95% RPI percentiles exceeded 1 suggesting poor preservation performance of the residential refrigerator tested under realistic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, regulations focus on the energy use of cold chain units and not on their food preservation performance. Our hypothesis is that this reflects a lack of practical/science-based assessment protocols which is addressed in this work. About 3 million time–temperature values for fish fillets stored in the bottom drawer independently set at 0.0 °C and a peer-reviewed predictive model were used to assess the microbial preservation performance of a residential refrigerator operating at 5.0 °C. The temperature effect on the exponential growth rate of Pseudomonas spp. on fish fillets was used to generate a refrigerator preservation indicator (RPI) with values < 1, ~ 1, and > 1 describing excellent, acceptable, or poor microbial preservation performance, respectively. Experimental effects evaluated were refrigerator technology (single/variable speed compressor, SS/VS), ambient temperature (21.1/32.2 °C, LT/HT), refrigerator load (22.5/39 kg, RL/HL), and emulation of door openings during meal preparation. Deterministic RPI estimations for the VS compressor ranged from 1.28 to 1.71, while those for SS ranged from 1.13 to 1.24. Probabilistic estimations yielded confidence intervals also exceeding the desirable 1.0 value. Mean comparisons through Tukey's HSD identified p-values < 0.05 for all main effects; nonetheless, compressor technology was the most influential factor since the compressor × ambient temperature interaction was significant for both compressors and the compressor × food load interaction was significant for VS compressors. It is concluded that users of cold chain units would benefit from regulations covering energy use and preservation performance with the latter assessed by RPI determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive microbiology models and 2.8E6 ham temperature measurements quantified absolute (API) and relative preservation indicators (RPI) assessing the performance of a residential refrigerator operating at 5 °C, the conventional setting for energy use assessments. Factors considered were compressor (single/variable speed, SS/VS), ambient temperature (21.1/32.2 °C), food load (22.5/39 kg), doors (closed/opening cycles), and fixed/movable samples (simulating breakfast use). API T(t) based on 48 h temperature-dependent Listeria monocytogenes exponential growth ranged 0.23–0.36 log CFU/g at 32.2 °C/VS for all sample types and loads. The API value at the recommended 5 °C for ham (API 5 ° C , 0.155 log CFU/g) defined RPI = API T(t) /API 5 ° C with values <1, ~1, >1 indicating a better, similar or worse preservation than constant 5 °C storage. The highest RPI value (2.32) was observed for VS/32.2 °C/high load/movable samples; however, it reached 1.10 when the entire ham temperature profile was lowered by 3.7 °C, the maximum possible without risking product freezing. A probabilistic analysis considering the variability of predictive microbiology parameters and temperature measurements, yielded high 95% percentile RPI values for all conditions. Although the SS compressor showed better RPI s, operating strategies for all compressor types should be modified to ensure lower-temperatures and shorter temperature recovery times while still meeting energy use regulations. The higher energy efficiency and multiple adjustments possible of VS compressors suggest that they should deliver better food preservation than SS compressors. This study showed an effective use of product temperature to assess the preservation performance of all cold chain components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a refrigerator performance assessment procedure based on the temperature (2 × 106 values) of ground beef stored in its bottom drawer set to Fresh Meat (0 °C). Effects analyzed were ambient temperature (LT, 21.1 °C/HT, 32.2 °C), food load (LL, 22.5 kg/HL, 39.0 kg), door openings, and refrigerator compressor mode (SS, single speed/VS, variable speed). Published predictive microbiology models for exponential growth and ground beef temperature (48-h tests) were used to define absolute (API) and relative preservation indicators (RPI). For VS mode, API (log CFU/g) ranged from 1.7 (LT/LL) to 3.1 (HT/HL) for Listeria monocytogenes and 1.6 to 2.5 for Pseudomonas putida. Ground beef temperature reductions with minimum freezing risk yielded significantly lower API values indicating the need for refrigerator settings below 5 °C. Probabilistic analysis considering the model and temperature measurement variability confirmed this need. At 2 °C as recommended for ground beef storage, API2°C would be 1.1 (L. monocytogenes) and 1.4 logCFU/g (P. putida). RPI defined as the ratio of experimental API over API2°C yielded values > 1 confirming that a refrigerator control logic must consider preservation in addition to energy use compliance. In this study, SS outperformed energy-efficient VS compressors; however, compressor optimization considering energy use and food preservation would favor the latter. In conclusion, API and RPI values were effective tools to assess the microbial food preservation performance of a refrigerator and its use could be extended to analyze any segment of the refrigerated food distribution chain. Transforming time-temperature data into microbial performance indicators is practical and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pesticides have been providing the crop protection required to help satisfy the world demand for food, feed, and fiber. Biopesticides (BPs), particularly fungi-based BPs, are a promising new alternative with high biodegradability and specificity, low likelihood of resistance development, suitability for incorporation into integrated pest management practices, and practically no known health risks. However, unsuitable mass production procedures, narrow action spectra, heterogeneous performance, and short shelf life combined with legislation registry constraints, end-user resistance, and general lack of knowledge are slowing their adoption. In addition to regulatory framework revisions and improved training initiatives, thoughtfully designed formulations, improved preservation methodologies, and field test validations are needed to offer new BPs with improved efficacy and increased shelf life. This overview compiles current and novel fungi-based BP applications for crop and animal pest control with a focus on formulation approaches aiming at retaining efficacy and improving shelf life. Innovative formulation approaches, emerging pest control technologies, and BP challenges and opportunities are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the shelf-life of moisture-sensitive products, particularly intermediate-moisture (IMFs) and low-moisture foods (LMFs), which can support the needs of vulnerable populations. Deterministic and probabilistic engineering methodologies, i.e., ignoring and considering the variability of parameters used in calculations, respectively, were compared when selecting the initial water activity of product mix components or the packaging materials achieving the shelf-life necessary to reach consumers with safe and high quality products, and when filling packages with the declared net weight. This document presents detailed examples and reviews published computational tools developed to solve these cases. The application of probabilistic engineering and computer supported tools can help developers optimize the product formulation and packaging material selection to reduce food waste by increasing the probability that products will have the shelf-life necessary to be stored and distributed to reach all consumers, and particularly at-risk populations and those affected by natural or man-made disasters. Undoubtedly, the need for food waste reduction is now a key responsibility for food producers and consumers. The lack of sufficient food creates social and economic instability, and this is an unfavorable situation for the growth of the food industry. Food waste also increases the cost of products, particularly when retailers and consumers demand a refund for a product that did not meet the shelf-life declared or at least expected for the product. This work reviews computer supported probabilistic engineering tools to reduce the waste of products with a shelf-life controlled by the product formulation and the moisture barrier properties of the packaging material. • Computer-supported probabilistic formulation/packaging selection reduces food waste. • Probabilistic formulation/packaging meets the desired quality with high confidence. • Net fill weight compliance optimization reduces production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, production and use of bio-pesticides have increasing and replacing some synthetic chemical pesticides applied to food commodities. In this review, biological control is focused as an alternative, to some synthetic chemical treatments that cause environmental, human health, and food quality risks. In addition, several phytopathogenic microorganisms have developed resistance to some of these synthetic chemicals and become more difficult to control. Worldwide, the bio-pesticides market is growing annually at a rate of 44% in North America, 20% in Europe and Oceania, 10% in Latin and South American countries and 6% in Asia. Use of agro-industrial wastes and solid-state fermentation (SSF) technology offers an alternative to bio-pesticide production with advantages versus conventional submerged fermentations, as reduced cost and energy consumption, low production of residual water and high stability products. In this review, recent data about state of art regarding bio-pesticides production under SSF on agroindustrial wastes will be discussed. SSF can be defined as a microbial process that generally occurs on solid material in the absence of free water. This material has the ability to absorb water with or without soluble nutrients, since the substrate must have water to support the microorganism’s growth and metabolism. Changes in water content are analyzed in order to select the conditions for a future process, where water stress can be combined with the best spore production conditions, obtaining in this way an inexpensive biotechnological option for modern agriculture in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Time‐temperature data for queso fresco (QF) cheese varieties stored in a residential refrigerator operating at 5°C and a predictive microbiology secondary model for Listeria monocytogenes in QF were used to estimate a refrigerator performance indicator (RPI) of microbial preservation. RPI values were used to assess how compressor technology (single [SS] and variable speed [VS]), ambient temperature (21.1°C [LT] and 32.2°C [HT]), and refrigerator load (22.5 kg regular load and 39 kg higher load) affected preservation performance. All deterministic and probabilistic RPI estimations slightly exceeded the desirable 1.0 value, i.e., the variable temperatures for the QF kept in the refrigerator were worse than keeping it constantly at the temperature recommended by food safety agencies for QF. Furthermore, the mean comparison of estimates of the time‐temperature equivalent indicator previously developed by French researchers showed similar behavior to those observed for RPI. Finally, statistical analysis showed that Tambient was the factor with the highest impact on refrigerator performance because of its impact on the sample temperature increase during door openings and when exposed to ambient temperature during product use. This highlights the need to reduce the time for product temperature recovery by improving the compressor operation logic. Also important are consumer behavior changes such as a reduction in product exposure to ambient temperature and in the door opening duration and frequency. Practical Application: This study demonstrated how a quantitative tool (RPI) can assess refrigerator preservation performance. Although the findings presented can be applied to any cold chain segment, the data used was collected for its weakest link, the domestic refrigerator. Surveys show that 77% of them operate above the recommended 4°C. The RPI methodology is ready for use by refrigerator designers to assess performance improvements possible by modifications of the compressor operation logic. Moreover, it can be integrated into smart‐hubs monitoring the frequency and duration of refrigerator door openings to inform consumers when their habits are compromising the preservation performance of the refrigerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Agro-industrial lignocellulosic waste, an abundant source of non-food fermentable sugars, represent a potentially negative environmental impact due to unsuitable waste disposal issues, which can be attenuated when transformed to bioethanol. Several alternative processes have been developed for bioethanol production from a large variety of agro-industrial wastes (AIW) but the high economic costs of these technologies and variable substrate composition limit their implementation at commercial scale. Nevertheless, consolidated bioprocessing to produce bioethanol of second generation has been researched increasingly in recent years and it is, so far, the most promising fermentation approach for bioethanol production. Mexico ranks as one of the leading food producing countries worldwide with 818 agro-food products, 71 of which hold the first place by production volume at international level. However, strategies and specific actions for AIW management need to be incorporated. This paper discusses agro-industrial lignocellulosic waste potentials in Mexico for efficient production of second generation bioethanol using consolidated bioprocessing. Highlights • The potential of agro-industrial waste in Mexico was discussed. • Status of 2G ethanol production in Mexico have been comprehensively reviewed. • Advances and challenges of CBP have been explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Owing to the controlled or uncontrolled industrial wastewater disposal, pharmaceutical-based hazardous emerging contaminants (ECs) can be found in the environment all over the world. With ever-increasing socioeconomic aspects and environmental awareness, people are now more concerns about the widespread occurrences of hazardous and persistent contaminants, around the globe. In this context, several studies have already shown that various types of emerging and/or re-emerging contaminants, regardless the source, type and concentration, are of supreme threat to the living system of flora and fauna. Recently, algae-based bioreactors have gained special research interest as a promising way to remove pharmaceuticals-based ECs from the wastewater either partially or completely. This paper covers the progress on the removal of selected pharmaceuticals using bioreactors. In laboratory scale studies, high removal percentages have been reached for most selected pharmaceuticals, but data on full-scale bioreactors is limited. In this paper, two types of bioreactors are discussed, i.e., (1) open pond and (2) bubble column photobioreactor, which are considered sustainable and an effective alternative to remove ECs. In these bioreactors, high removal percentages (>90%) have been found for metoprolol, triclosan, and salicylic acid, moderate (50–90%) for carbamazepine and tramadol and very low (<10%) for trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin by inoculating different microalgae. This technique may open new opportunities for the treatment of wastewater and reduce the environmental pollution that can have adverse effects on the ecosystem and human health. In summary, the present review focuses on the microalgae for wastewater remediation. An effort has also been made to describe the generalities of the photobioreactor. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • We reviewed algal-based removal strategies for hazardous contaminants. • Open pond bioreactor and bubble column photo-bioreactor are discussed. • New opportunities for wastewater treatment and reduction are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • CO 2 , ethanol and water allow biphasic extraction under SuperCritical (SC) conditions. • SC-CO 2 extraction of S. platensis with static (ethanol + water) is two-step process. • Step 1 is slow chlorophyll transfer from S. platensis to CO 2 -expanded liquid. • Step 2 is fast chlorophyll transfer from liquid to (ethanol + water)-modified SC-CO 2. • This work proposes a simplified mathematical model of the mass transfer process. Abstract This study re-analyzes literature data on S. platensis' chlorophyll (CHL) extraction using 5-25 cm3 of 20–80% v/v ethanol in water (static modifier) and 82.5–62.5 cm3 of CO 2 at 50 °C and 40 MPa. Under these conditions, a CO 2 -expanded aqueous ethanol (liquid) phase coexists with an aqueous-ethanol-modified CO 2 (SCF) phase in the extraction vessel. Authors hypothesize the resulting extraction is a two-step process consisting of slow transfer of CHL from the substrate to the liquid phase, followed by fast (equilibrium) transfer of CHL to the SCF phase. For analysis, we described the ternary (CO 2 + ethanol + water) system at 50 °C and 40 MPa using Peng-Robinson Equation of State and Wong-Sandler mixing rules with binary interaction parameters describing phase equilibrium of binaries (CO 2 + ethanol), (ethanol + water), and (CO 2 + water). Authors propose a simple mathematical model of the extraction process, and identify research needs to validate/refine it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]