Molecular diagnostics in food safety: rapid detection of food-borne pathogens

Food safety is a high priority for both the consumer and food producer. Tra ditional microbiological methods which accurately and reliably identify dan gerous pathogens are slow and can hamper the timely release of food product s. Molecular diagnostics have the potential to revolutionise quality testin g in food production. This paper describes the currently available nucleic acid tests for food-borne pathogens and reviews new developments which will meet the challenges for rapid high-through-put diagnostics.