Quality and Safety Models and Optimization as Part of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing.

This article is part of a collection entitled “Models for Safety, Quality and Competitiveness of the Food Processing Sector,” published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. It has been peer-reviewed and was written as a follow-up of a pre-IFT workshop, partially funded by the USDA NRI grant 2005-35503-16208. Mathematical models are the basis of modern process engineering methods. Mathematical optimization is at the kernel of systematic and efficient tools for (1) experimental design, model development, and identification, (2) development of optimal operating procedures, and (3) implementation of those procedures by means of model-predictive controllers. Here, we review and discuss how these model-based optimization techniques can be used at the core of computer-integrated manufacturing systems for the food industry. These systems will be able to bring the operation of food processing plants closer to the best possible product quality and safety, at a reduced cost and with minimal environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]