Summary

The single-most important task of food scientists and the food industry as a whole is to ensure the safety of foods supplied to consumers. Recent trends in global food prod- tion, distribution, and preparation call for increased emphasis on hygienic practices at all levels and for increased research in food safety in order to ensure a safer global food supply. The ISEKI Food book series is a collection of volumes where various aspects of food safety and environmental issues are introduced and reviewed by scientists speci- izing in the ?eld. In all of the books a special emphasis was placed on including case studies applicable to each speci?c topic. The books are intended for graduate students and senior-level undergraduate students as well as professionals and researchers int- ested in food safety and environmental issues applicable to food safety. The idea and planning of the books originates from two working groups in the European thematic network; ''ISEKI Food'' is an acronym for ''Integrating Safety and Environmental Knowledge Into Food Studies. '' Participants in the ISEKI Food network come from 29 countries in Europe and most of the institutes and universities involved with food science education at the university level are represented. Some international companies and nonteaching institutions also have participated in the program. The ISEKI Food network is coordinated by Professor Cristina Silva at the Catholic Univ- sity of Portugal, College of Biotechnology (Escola) in Porto.