Microbial Dynamics and Safety in Cheese Production and Aging

In artisan cheese production, the dynamics of microbial activity are fundamental to both product quality and safety. The intricate interplay of microbes during the cheese-making and aging process represents a considerable challenge, particularly in balancing pathogen control with the promotion of beneficial cultures. Investigations have highlighted how these microbial dynamics influence both the potential risks and enhancements they can bring, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding to optimize production methods. In particular, how factors such as pH, water activity, lactic acid concentration, and temperature influence the microbial dynamics during cheese production and aging.

This Research Topic aims to enhance and refine strategies for managing microbial dynamics to ensure the safety and quality of artisan cheeses. The collection will focus on achieving an optimal microbial balance that supports safety without compromising the sensory qualities of the cheese. As well as exploring innovations such as the use of synthetic microbial communities that can more effectively control harmful pathogens while promoting beneficial microbes.

To gather further insights on improving microbial dynamics in cheese production, we welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Methods articles addressing the following:

• Effective pathogen control methods in cheese aging;
• Utilization and impact of beneficial microbes in enhancing flavor and safety;
• Utilization of synthetic microbial communities to understand mechanistic insights and strategically reprogram microbial communities;
• Influence of production techniques on microbial dynamics;
• Technological advancements for real-time monitoring and control of microbial activity.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microbial Dynamics, Artisan Cheese Safety, Beneficial Cultures, Cheese Aging Processes, Food Pathogen Control, Dairy Food Safety

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.