Hurdle technology was developed several years ago as a new concept for
the production of safe, stable, nutritious, tasty and economical food
s. It advocates the intelligent use of combinations of different prese
rvation factors or techniques ('hurdles') in order to achieve multi-ta
rget, mild but reliable preservation effects. Attractive applications
have been identified in many food areas. The present article briefly i
ntroduces the concept of hurdle technology, presents potential applica
tions and gives details on a recently concluded study concerned with t
his topic and to which scientists from 11 European countries have cont
ributed.