Maintaining the high standard of previous bestselling editions, this volume presents essential information in this rapidly growing and highly dynamic field. The fourth edition features expanded coverage of recent advances and emerging pathogens as well as descriptions of the pathogenic mechanism. Topics include the beneficial uses of microorganisms in food, microbial food spoilage, control of microorganisms, microbial detection and food safety, and evaluations of advanced rapid detection techniques using biosensors and nanotechnology. Along with many additional, easy-to-follow, figures and illustrations, each chapter includes references and review questions.