Biofilms and microbial persistence in the food industry

Abstract

This review examines the importance that microbial communities colonizing food processing environments in the form of biofilms have on food safety and food quality. The focus is on biofilms of undesired microorganisms, i.e. pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Information is presented on intraspecies variability in biofilm formation, biofilm ecology and architecture and the factors influencing their formation. Finally, research on novel agents or strategies for the control of biofilm formation or its removal is summarized.