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During exponential growth a population doubles every generation time, so N = N0 x 2^(t/g) after the lag phase ends. Generation times shorten sharply with temperature: Salmonella doubles roughly every 20-30 minutes at 37 C but takes many hours near 10 C, which is why chilled holding works.
Exponential growth
N = N0 x 2^((t - lag) / generation time)
Log increase
Log increase = log10(N / N0)
Growth predictions are indicative only. Food safety decisions require validated predictive models or challenge testing for the specific product and organism.
It is the adaptation period before growth begins, and keeping food within the lag phase is often the practical control. Lag shortens when the inoculum is already adapted to the conditions.
Once nutrients deplete or metabolites accumulate the population enters stationary phase. Predictions above about 10^8 CFU/g are unrealistic, and full sigmoid models such as Baranyi should be used.