DISCLAIMER

ComBase was designed for estimating the effects of multiple variables on the growth, survival and inactivation of foodborne pathogens.

ComBase is a decision support tool which assists only in the evaluation of food safety decisions. Like other models, food predictive models can make predictions that differ from the actual behaviour of foodborne microorganisms in food. Thus, the ComBase user acknowledges that the ComBase models are only intended to support a decision-making process. For the most appropriate and safe application of ComBase models, expert interpretation is required. Users must determine if they have the necessary skills for themselves.

As with nearly all services offered on the internet, this modelling tool leverages a number of layers of third-party code libraries, some of which may work as expected one day and not the next, due to the fact that third-party software will be updated over time (and beyond our control), and some third-party software may not be supported by your particular device or browser, or the specific version of your particular browser. Furthermore, all computer code is subject to the risk of errors.

The granularity of the data input by the user will also affect the model’s accuracy. For example, temperature readings taken every 6 hours may suggest a relatively constant, when in fact there may be significant spikes in temperature between the temperature readings. The model can only make estimates based on the information given, which may not be an accurate representation of what has actually occurred in the food.

Accordingly, this tool is offered without warranty or guarantee as to its accuracy, as a useful – but not infallible – way of modelling microbial growth. As a modelling tool only, it cannot be relied upon to make food safety decisions. Situations requiring any such decisions should be referred to a food safety expert for assessment.

The Terms and Conditions set out below apply to the use of ComBase models and software. By accessing ComBase, you agree that you have read and accept these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions, do not use ComBase.

1. Definitions

'ComBase' – refers to the set of models and software tools within the total pages of this website that predict microbial responses to various environmental factors.

‘ComBase Partners’ – refers to the University of Tasmania and the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.

'Website'- refers to the ComBase website.

'Intellectual Property' – refers to patents, trademarks, trade names, get up, logos, goodwill, domain names, design rights, copyrights, database rights, moral rights, topography rights all whether registered or not, trade secrets, know how, lists of customers and other confidential and proprietary information, and other intellectual property right current, future or contingent together with any applications for such rights that may exist anywhere in the world whether in any such case, owned or used under licence.

2. Grant of Licence and Use of the ComBase Predictive Models

2.1. The ComBase Partners grant you a non-transferable, non-exclusive licence to access and use data and tools in ComBase.

2.2. You may reproduce or distribute any part of the content for personal use, academic or scientific research or private study and for internal business purposes.

2.3. Access to ComBase may be suspended or interrupted without prior notice, and the ComBase Partners cannot guarantee that the information given will always be completely up-to-date and free of errors.

3. Intellectual Property

3.1. You acknowledge and agree that all Intellectual Property rights in ComBase and/or content made available as part of your use shall remain at all times vested in ComBase or in our licenses.

3.2. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute a grant to you of any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property in ComBase.

4. Disclaimer

4.1. ComBase will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is free of errors and up to date, but it gives no guarantees as to the accuracy and completeness of that information or its fitness for any purpose whatsoever.

4.2. The ComBase Partners may make changes to the material in ComBase at any time without notice. ComBase data and models may be out-of-date and the ComBase Partners make no commitment to update it.

4.3. ComBase is provided ‘as is’, without any conditions, warranties or other terms of any kind. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the ComBase Partners provide you with ComBase on the basis that the ComBase Partners exclude all representations, warranties conditions and other terms which but for this legal notice might have effect in relation with the software.

5. Liability

5.1. The ComBase Partners accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from any inability to use ComBase.

5.2. The ComBase Partners, and its officers, directors, employees, shareholders or agents, exclude all liability and responsibility for any amount or kind of loss and damage that may result to you or a third party (including without limitation, any direct, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damages), or loss of income, profits, goodwill, time, data, contracts, use of money, or loss or damages from or connected in any way to business interruption, and whether in tort (including, without limitation, negligence), contract or otherwise in connection with ComBase in any way or in connection with the use, inability to use the results of use of ComBase, any web site linked to the Website or the material of such web sites, including but not limited to loss or damage due to viruses that may infect your computer equipment, software, data or other property on account of your use of ComBase or your downloading of any material from ComBase or any web site linked to ComBase.

5.3. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or limit the ComBase Partners liability for:

5.3.1 death or personal injury caused by negligence;

5.3.2 fraud; and

5.3.3 any liability, which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

6. Hyperlinks

6.1 The ComBase Partners of ComBase are not responsible for the availability, content or security of any other websites accessed through the Website and accepts no liability for, and gives no endorsement of, material on or other services provided through such web sites. ComBase recommends that you check the terms and conditions and any policies of such sites and contact the owner or operator if you have any concerns. Any use of such material or services is at your own risk.

6.2 Under no circumstances will consent be granted to create a deep-link to the Website.