Published Paper Details:

Foodborne pathogens remain a critical public health challenge worldwide, responsible for severe illness, hospitalizations, and economic losses. Key bacterial culprits such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus are frequently linked to contaminated food and water sources. While culture-based microbiological methods have long been used for pathogen identification, they are often time-consuming and lack the speed required for rapid response. This review highlights recent advancements in molecular and immunological detection methods that have revolutionized food safety monitoring. Molecular approaches--including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR (qPCR), multiplex PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)--offer rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of pathogens even at low concentrations. Immunological methods, particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow assays, are valuable for their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and potential for on-site testing. While these methods are powerful, each has limitations such as cross-reactivity, inability to differentiate viable from non-viable organisms, or dependence on specialized equipment. The integration of these approaches with biosensors, isothermal systems, and portable platforms shows promise for enhancing real-time detection capabilities. Ultimately, a combined strategy leveraging both traditional and next-generation methods is essential to prevent foodborne outbreaks and protect consumer health. This paper underscores the importance of ongoing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in ensuring food safety.