Summary
This review synthesises recent methodological advances in characterising hidden microbial diversity within food and food processing systems using metagenomics-based approaches, particularly metagenome-assembled genomes. The authors highlight how comparative genomic analyses and taxonomic databases enable deeper understanding of microbial roles in food quality, safety, and human health outcomes. The paper identifies key challenges and opportunities for translating this microbial characterisation into practical applications in food science and health-related innovation.
Regional applicability
The methodological frameworks and genomic databases discussed are internationally applicable and could support UK food safety testing, quality assurance, and fermented food characterisation. However, the review does not address UK-specific food production systems, regulatory frameworks, or regional food microbiome diversity.
Key measures
Metagenome-assembled genomes; taxonomic profiling; microbial functional potential; novel species characterisation from sequencing data
Outcomes reported
This review synthesises recent advances in characterising novel microbial species from metagenomics data in food systems, emphasising metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and their application to taxonomic profiling and functional characterisation. The paper examines how these molecular approaches enable new applications in food science and clarify interactions between food microbiomes and human health.
Topic tags
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