Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology which harbors a suite of mechanisms that have the potential to be leveraged for reaping value across multiple domains. Lately, there is an increased interest in embracing applications associated with Artificial Intelligence to positively contribute to food safety. These applications such as machine learning, computer vision, predictive analytics algorithms, sensor networks, robotic inspection systems, and supply chain optimization tools have been established to contribute to several domains of food safety such as early warning of outbreaks, risk prediction, detection and identification of food associated pathogens. Simultaneously, the ambition toward establishing a sustainable food system has motivated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to strengthen food security. Given the myriad challenges confronting stakeholders in their endeavors to safeguard food security, Artificial Intelligence emerges as a promising tool capable of crafting holistic management strategies for food security. This entails maximizing crop yields, mitigating losses, and trimming operational expenses. AI models present notable benefits in efficiency, precision, uniformity, automation, pattern identification, accessibility, and scalability for food security endeavors. The escalation in the global trend for adopting alternative protein sources such as edible insects and microalgae as a sustainable food source reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and resilient food systems to address the challenges of population growth, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. Artificial Intelligence offers a range of capabilities to enhance food safety in the production and consumption of alternative proteins like microalgae and edible insects, contributing to a sustainable and secure food system.

Along with the high nutritional value, milk represents an excellent medium for the growth of certain microorganisms, some of which can be life threatening. Milk fat has been found to affect the survival of L. monocytogenes in milk. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of milk fat in the survival of L. monocytogenes in milk under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Four compartments (saliva, gastric, small intestine and large intestine) mimicking the human physiological conditions were established to evaluate the viability of L. monocytogenes inoculated in milk. Given that milk is generally consumed as a breakfast meal, the evaluation was done in the fasted state of the gastrointestinal system. A decrease to 5 log10 CFU/ mL was determined in saliva compartment, in the evaluation after 48 h of cold storage. In the viable but not countable evaluation, L. monocytogenes counts were determined to be 8 log10 CFU/ mL for skim milk and semi-skim milk, and 9 log10 CFU/ mL for whole fat milk in the saliva compartment. Regardless the fat content, L. monocytogenes was not detected in any of the milk groups in the lower parts of the simulated gastrointestinal compartments.

Antimicrobial resistance – the capability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial agents – has been stated as a major concern for public health. The increase in spread of multi- and pan-resistant bacteria which are not treatable with present antimicrobials has brought the need for the use of alternative products. Vinegar is a natural product- produced from alcoholic fermentation- that has shown strong antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic content and antiradical activity of the commercial grape and apple vinegar as well as to evaluate their antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Grape vinegar showed higher total acidity and total phenolic content, and lower antiradical activity (DPPH activity) compared to apple vinegar. The populations of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were significantly reduced by neat grape and apple vinegar samples. The antibacterial activity of grape vinegar was superior to apple vinegar. While AV and GV samples at 50% concentration did not form a visible zone of inhibition against S. aureus, they showed an inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa (16.24 mm for GV and 16.5 for AV). The vinegar applied at the lowest concentration (25%) did not show any antibacterial effect on either bacterium. Solutions containing 50% to 6.25% vinegar samples prevented almost 100% biofilm formation in both bacteria. However, solutions containing lower amounts of vinegar showed stronger inhibition of biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. A positive correlation was found between the biofilm reducing ability of vinegar samples and their antibacterial activity in this study. Taken together, commercial grape and apple vinegar significantly reduced the viability of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, thereby decreasing biofilm formation.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a new and promising strategy for eliminating foodborne pathogenic bacteria in food preservation, reducing associated health risks for consumers. This study aimed to develop an innovative PDI‐based system to inactivate Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 on eggshells. The system includes 405 nm light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and the application of curcumin or carvacrol as photosensitizers. The antibacterial activity of the system was investigated in eggshells inoculated with S. Enteritidis PT4 at different temperatures (4, 25, and 37°C) and exposure times (15, 30, and 45 min). Carvacrol + LEDs application was completely inhibited S. Enteritdis PT4 at 4 (after 30 min), 25, and 37°C at the 45th min. Curcumin + LED completely inhibited bacterial growth after 45 min at 4 and 25°C. The results showed that simultaneous use of carvacrol or curcumin with LEDs at various temperatures exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the bacteria depending on the exposure time. The application of curcumin or carvacrol sourced via PDI in the originally developed system resulted in any significant changes in egg quality parameters and sensory properties. This study demonstrated that PDI‐based system using curcumin or carvacrol as photosensitizers could be a potential tool for decontamination of eggs contaminated with S. Enteritidis PT4.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has a potential application for food preservation that can minimize food pathogens posing risks to consumer health. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 405 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination in the presence of carvacrol and curcumin against Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4 at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C) and time parameters (15 min, 30 min and 45 min) in the illumination system. Compared to their individual treatment, the decrease in the bacterial population was stronger in bacteria treated with LEDs + carvacrol or LEDs + curcumin. Co-application of carvacrol or curcumin with LEDs at 37 °C showed strong antibacterial activity against both bacteria depending on the application time. Co-application at 37 °C for 45 min completely inhibited the growth of S. Enteritidis. LEDs, curcumin, carvacrol applications alone or LEDs + curcumin, LEDs + carvacrol applications caused a decrease in bacterial population in proportion to the increase in the storage temperature and application times. These results showed that carvacrol or curcumin potentiates LEDs illumination therapy against both bacteria. Future studies on adapting the PDI system to control bacteria in a variety of foods may help develop novel strategies to fight against foodborne bacterial pathogens.