The Benefits of Advanced Technologies and Next-Generation Synbiotics in Food Safety

Food safety is a major global challenge that requires the prevention and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the food chain, from primary production to processing, distribution, retail, and final consumption. Ensuring that foods do not cause harm to consumers depends on robust regulatory frameworks, industry self-monitoring systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and good handling practices that reduce contamination and cross-contamination.At the same time, innovation in food preservation plays a central role in extending shelf life, maintaining wholesomeness, preserving organoleptic properties, and reducing food loss and waste. In recent years, a range of advanced technologies has emerged to support safer and more sustainable food systems. These include high-pressure processing (HPP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active and intelligent packaging, antimicrobial and biodegradable packaging materials, cold plasma, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, ozonation, UV-C treatments, and other novel approaches that can improve food safety while reducing reliance on conventional chemical preservatives.Among the most promising developments in this field is the rise of Next-Generation Synbiotics (NGSynbiotics). These formulations combine advanced probiotics and next-generation prebiotics in ways that may offer dual benefits for food preservation and human health. Beyond their potential to inhibit foodborne pathogens and improve overall product quality, NGSynbiotics may support beneficial microbial survival, promote microbiota balance, and contribute to more natural and functional preservation strategies. In this sense, they represent an innovative frontier for greener food safety solutions and may help reduce dependence on synthetic additives and antibiotics.This Research Topic is designed to provide a broad overview of current research progress in food safety, innovative preservation technologies, and bioactive-based strategies, with a particular focus on the benefits of advanced technologies and Next-Generation Synbiotics. By widening the scope beyond food preservation alone, this collection aims to attract a broader range of contributions from researchers working across food microbiology, food technology, packaging science, nutrition, biotechnology, sustainability, and One Health.We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective papers that address recent developments in this area. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• Prevention and control of biological, chemical, and physical food hazards.• Innovative and sustainable food preservation technologies.• High-pressure processing, modified atmosphere packaging, and novel packaging systems.• Antimicrobial, biodegradable, active, and intelligent materials for food safety.• Bioactive compounds and natural preservation strategies.• Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and Next-Generation Synbiotics in food safety applications.• Mechanisms of pathogen inhibition and microbiological stability.• Effects of preservation strategies on food quality, shelf life, and sensory properties.• Reduction of food waste through improved safety and preservation.• Links between food safety innovation, gut microbiota, human health, and One Health.This Research Topic aims to showcase international research at the intersection of food safety, technological innovation, and functional bioactive approaches, while providing a platform for further advances toward safer, more sustainable, and health-oriented food systems. Topic editors: Caterina Pagliarulo, Chiara Pagliuca, Daniela Sateriale, Giuseppina Forgione Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78062/the-benefits-of-advanced-technologies-and-next-generation-synbiotics-in-food-safety