Thermal treatment is the most popular decontamination technique used in the dairy industry to ensure food protection and prolong shelf life. But it also causes nutrient and aroma degradation, non-enzymatic browning, and organoleptic changes of dairy products. Non-thermal solutions, on the other hand, have been extensively explored in a response to rising market demand for more sustainable and safe goods. For a long time, the use of ultraviolet (UV) light in the food industry has held great promise. Irradiation with shortwave UV light has excellent germicidal properties, which can destroy a variety of microbial pathogens (for example bacteria, fungi, molds, yeasts, and viruses), at low maintenance and installation costs with minimal use of energy to preserve food without undesirable effects of heat treatment. The purpose of this review is to update the studies made on the possibilities of UV-C radiation while also addressing the essential processing factors involved in the disinfection. It also sheds light on the promise of UV light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) as a microbial inactivation alternative to conventional UV lamps.

Bovine milk is widely recognized as one of the most valuable sources of nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that support the development and health of the body. In recent years, there has been increasing scientific interest in exosomes, the small membrane-bound vesicles found in milk. Through their content (e.g., microRNA), exosomes can influence gene expression and modulate key signaling pathways within target cells. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bovine milk-derived exosomes can alleviate intestinal inflammation by regulating signaling pathways and positively influencing the composition of the gut microbiota. They also improve cognitive function and support nervous system regeneration. In addition, exosomes promote bone health by stimulating osteoblast formation and inhibiting bone resorption, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Studies have shown that exosomes have beneficial effects on skin health by promoting collagen production, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and delaying the ageing process. Bovine milk-derived exosomes are a promising tool for the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases, particularly those related to inflammation and tissue regeneration. Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and the potential clinical application of milk exosomes in the prevention and treatment of different diseases.

This study presents possible applications of predictive microbiology to model the safety of mold-ripened cheeses with respect to bacteria of the species Listeria monocytogenes during (1) the ripening of Camembert cheese, (2) cold storage of Camembert cheese at temperatures ranging from 3 to 15°C, and (3) cold storage of blue cheese at temperatures ranging from 3 to 15°C. The primary models used in this study, such as the Baranyi model and modified Gompertz function, were fitted to growth curves. The Baranyi model yielded the most accurate goodness of fit and the growth rates generated by this model were used for secondary modeling (Ratkowsky simple square root and polynomial models). The polynomial model more accurately predicted the influence of temperature on the growth rate, reaching the adjusted coefficients of multiple determination 0.97 and 0.92 for Camembert and blue cheese, respectively. The observed growth rates of L. monocytogenes in mold-ripened cheeses were compared with simulations run with the Pathogen Modeling Program (PMP 7.0, USDA, Wyndmoor, PA) and ComBase Predictor (Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK). However, the latter predictions proved to be consistently overestimated and contained a significant error level. In addition, a validation process using independent data generated in dairy products from the ComBase database (www.combase.cc) was performed. In conclusion, it was found that L. monocytogenes grows much faster in Camembert than in blue cheese. Both the Baranyi and Gompertz models described this phenomenon accurately, although the Baranyi model contained a smaller error. Secondary modeling and further validation of the generated models highlighted the issue of usability and applicability of predictive models in the food processing industry by elaborating models targeted at a specific product or a group of similar products.

The aim of this study was to identify and analyse consumer perceptions regarding the health benefits of different dairy products in Poland. This study examines the consumption frequency of selected dairy products in Poland and the health benefits which consumers associate with their regular consumption. It also explores how demographic factors, such as age, gender, and consumption frequency, influence these perceptions and identifies which dairy products are the most linked to specific health benefits. This study involved a quantitative survey of a representative sample of 2009 Polish consumers aged 19–30 and 66–75 years. This study revealed that the vast majority of the consumers recognise the health benefits of dairy products, particularly in areas such as better bone health, enhanced immune function, and improved digestion. The benefits associated with the regular consumption of milk, natural fresh cheeses, and natural fermented milk beverages were most frequently recognised. The respondents’ age had no significant effect on their perceptions of the health benefits of the selected dairy products. A statistically significant effect of gender was found only for the perceived benefits of consuming flavoured, fermented milk beverages. The frequency of consumption had a significant effect on the respondents’ perceptions of the benefits of all the studied groups of dairy products. In general, the consumers had positive attitudes towards the dairy products and believed in their potential health benefits. These findings have important implications for policy-makers. They underline the need for targeted public health campaigns to promote the consumption of dairy products as part of a balanced diet, emphasizing their specific health benefits. Such efforts could be especially effective if tailored to demographic factors such as gender and dietary habits.

The aim of this study was to determine the survival kinetics of Salmonella spp. in unripened, fresh raw milk cheese during storage at 5, 15 and 25 °C. Microbiological (coliforms and E. coli, S. thermophilus, Lactococcus sp., total microbial count and Enterobacteriaceae) and physicochemical (pH and a_w) characteristics were also determined. Two primary models were used to estimate the kinetic parameters of Salmonella spp., namely Weibull and Baranyi and Roberts (no lag) models. Additionally, goodness-of-fit of the primary models was assessed by calculating the R-Square and mean square error. Salmonella spp. growth in the unripened raw milk cheese was inhibited during storage, but nevertheless bacteria survived at 5 °C for 33 days (2.5 log cfu/g) and 15 °C for 18 days (1.8 log cfu/g). A decrease in the number of Salmonella spp. populations from an initial concentration 6.6 log cfu/g to below a detection limit was observed at 25 °C after 7 days of storage of contaminated cheese samples. It was concluded that the storage temperature significantly influenced the inactivation rate of Salmonella spp. in fresh raw milk cheese and proceeded faster at 25 °C compared to remaining storage temperatures.

Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the survival kinetics of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in ripened raw milk cheese. Cheese samples inoculated with S. enterica subsp. enterica were stored at 5, 15 and 25 °C and analysed in terms of physico‐chemical and microbiological characteristics. Three primary models were used to estimate the kinetic parameters of S. enterica subsp. enterica. The secondary Arrhenius model was used to establish the relationship between temperature and parameter α of the Weibull model. Additionally, prediction of S. enterica subsp. enterica survival as a function of storage temperature was made. S. enterica subsp. enterica growth was inhibited during storage, and bacteria survived for an extensive period of time at high number (60 day at 5 °C, 26 day at 25 °C). The storage temperature significantly influenced the inactivation rate of Salmonella in raw milk ripened cheese and proceeded faster at 25 °C compared to remaining storage temperature. Obtained results suggest that contamination by Salmonella in raw milk cheese might result in residual risk.