The Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative aims to move from a paradigm of 'testing quality in' to 'building quality in by design'. It can be defined as the optimal application of process analytical technologies, feedback process control strategies, information management tools, and/or product-process optimization strategies.

Recently, there have been significant advances in process sensors and in model-based monitoring and control methodologies, leading to enormous opportunities for improved performance of food manufacturing processes and for the quality of food...