Protocols for data generation for predictive modeling

Summary Essential to the development of useful predictive models for foods is the collection of appropriate data. Within the UK Predictive Food Microbiology Program, a series of documents have been produced to aid the standardization of data collection by a number of laboratories. Documents include a protocols form, notes on experimental design, notes on the accuracy of counts by plating, the preferred method of calculating a plate count value, preferred MPN tables and the preferred methods of recording data values. These documents have proven useful in aiding collaboration between laboratories.