Rapid Pathogen Detection in Food Supply Chains

The field of food safety is intensely focused on rapid pathogen detection within supply chains to safeguard public health and ensure food quality. Traditional culture-based methods, though effective, require extensive incubation periods leading to delays in food safety response measures. Emerging molecular and biochemical detection technologies promise to enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy. Despite these advances, the practical application of these methods at critical points in the supply chain remains limited, hindering swift intervention capabilities by food-business operators and risk managers.

This Research Topic aims to develop and refine rapid on-site testing technologies for identifying pathogens in food products and their associated environments throughout the supply chain. The adoption of advanced molecular biology and biochemical technologies seeks to significantly decrease the time between sample collection and accurate reporting, enabling more prompt responses to contamination events. The focus is also on ensuring any developed methods meet stringent performance criteria, ensuring reliability specific to diverse types of food products and settings.

To understand and improve the adaptability and reliability of such technologies within food supply chains, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Integration of advanced biochemical sensors
o Utilization of novel molecular assays for broad-spectrum pathogen detection
o Development of portable detection devices
o Implementation of real-time data reporting systems
o Integration of artificial intelligence to assist detection

These endeavors aim to enhance the speed and efficacy of pathogen detection, thereby elevating industry standards and safeguarding public health. We invite researchers to contribute their knowledge and insights to this Research Topic. Your participation will be invaluable in advancing the field and achieving safer food supply chains.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Rapid Microbial Detection, Food Safety, Biochemical Techniques, Pathogen Analysis, Supply Chain Monitoring

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.