Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), due to their many advantageous features, have been utilized in food manufacturing for centuries. Spontaneous fermentation, in which LAB play a fundamental role, is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. LAB survival and viability in various food products are of great importance. During technological processes, external physicochemical stressors appear often in combinations. To ensure the survival of LAB, adjustment of optimal physicochemical conditions should be considered. LAB strains should be carefully selected for particular food matrices and the technological processes involved. The LAB’s robustness to different environmental stressors includes different defense mechanisms against stress, including the phenomenon of adaptation, and cross-protection. Recently established positive health effects and influence on human wellbeing have caused LAB to be some of the most desirable microorganisms in the food industry. A good understanding of LAB defense and adaptation mechanisms can lead to both optimization of food production and storage conditions, as well as to obtaining LAB strains with increased tolerance to stressors. Hopefully, as a result, the final food product with naturally present or added LAB can achieve outstanding quality and safety with health benefits that meet consumer expectations.

The potential health benefits of probiotics have been illustrated by many studies. However, most functional foods containing probiotics are from dairy sources. This review provides an overview of potential strains and raw materials for nondairy probiotic products together with the role of its in vitro assessment. Probiotic-containing products from raw nondairy materials are known both in terms of quality and nutritional values. The sensory properties of raw plant-based materials are generally improved as a result of fermentation with probiotics. Increased market shares for plant-based probiotic products may also help to curb environmental challenges. The sustainability of this food results from reductions in land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use during production. Consuming nondairy probiotic food can be a personal step to contribute to climate change mitigation. Since some people cannot or do not want to eat dairy products, this creates a market gap in the supply of nutritious food. Therefore, the promotion and broader development of these foods are needed. Expanding our knowledge on how to best produce these functional foods and increasing our understanding of their in vivo behaviours are crucial. The latter may be efficiently achieved by utilizing available in vitro digestion systems that reliably recapitulate the in vivo situation without introducing any ethical concerns.

Fermentation represents a pivotal bioconversion process that enhances foodstuffs’ nutritional and sensory attributes while playing a crucial role in global food systems. Nevertheless, concerns about safety issues associated with microbial contamination and the production of biogenic amines are often understated. This review appraised recent advancements in fermentation technology, emphasising their association with the health and safety of fermented foods. Key advances include predictive microbiology models, in some cases achieving up to 95% accuracy in predicting microbial behaviour, and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for microbial enrichment. In addition, advanced detection methods such as biosensors and PCR-based assays enable the rapid identification of contaminants, improving manufacturing processes and preserving product integrity. Advanced bioreactor technologies equipped with real-time monitoring systems have been shown to increase fermentation efficiency. Moreover, innovative packaging, artificial intelligence, machine learning models, and sensor technologies have optimised fermentation processes and contributed to tracking quality and safety in the blockchain technology supply chain, potentially reducing spoilage rates and showing a decrease in production times. This study also addresses regulatory frameworks essential for establishing robust safety protocols. Integrating advanced fermentation technologies is imperative to meet the growing global demand for safe fermented foods. Continuous research and innovation are needed to address safety challenges and promote industry practices prioritising health and quality, ensuring public safety and building consumer confidence in fermented products.

For the production of fermented milk drinks, cultures of microorganisms other than traditionally applied can be used. Such possibilities are created by the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), which is used to produce kombucha. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of using kombucha and the SCOBY for fermented milk drink products. The drinks were developed with a lactose-free variant and traditional milk. For the analysis of the obtained beverages, microbiological methods (CFU method), chemical methods (pH method and HPLC method) and the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) sensory method were used. As a result of the research, a recipe and the fermentation parameters for fermented milk drinks were developed. In the developed lactose milk drinks, the average lactose content was 4.25 g/100 g. In lactose-free milk drinks, the average glucose content was 2.26 g/100 g. Lactic acid in both types of products was at the highest average level of 0.68 g/100 g. The products had a characteristic pH value for fermented milk drinks and a very good microbiological quality, which followed the FAO/WHO guidelines. Drinks also had a typical sensory profile for this products group. However, slight sensory defects were detected. The developed fermented milk drinks have a potential health-promoting value, thanks to the content of active microflora and organic acids, which have a confirmed positive effect on the human body. The drinks produced require further testing to optimize their cost of production, possible health benefits and sensory quality.

Food labelled with a “best before” date has a long shelf life. This study aimed to examine the respondents’ knowledge and understanding regarding the labelling on food products, as well as to assess the microbiological, physico–chemical and the sensory quality of selected durable food products on and after the date specified by the manufacturer. Two methods were used—a survey and laboratory tests. It was found that the majority of respondents have difficulty distinguishing and understanding the terms on the label and that a significant proportion of the respondents consume food products after the “best before” date. Laboratory tests of milk, pasta, mayonnaise and jam confirmed the microbiological safety of the products even six months after the “best before” date. Other features (texture, colour and sensory quality) slightly changed after one month for milk and mayonnaise (the colour had become more yellow) and after three months for pasta (its hardness had decreased) and jam (it had become browner). The possibility of extending the “best before” dates of selected durable foods could be considered, which could allow such products to legally be handed over to public benefit organisations, thereby reducing food wastage.