The management of microbial food safety has evolved from
mainly relying on product testing to process control approaches
such as the implementation of good manufacturing practices
(GMP) and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principle
(EFSA, 2007). More recently, risk-based management concepts
have been introduced. Including the application of risk based managerial
tools that dictate the limits of acceptable microbiological hazards
in food e.g. Food Safety Objective (FSO) and Performance
Objectives (PO). These new terms have been implemented in an effort
to relate and communicate ALOP’s and public health goals set
by governments to the food industry and allow for food safety targets
to be translated into assessable parameters (ICMSF, 2005).