Molecular Diagnostics and Genomic Tools for Food Contaminant Detection

Abstract

Molecular diagnostics and genomic tools have recently been recognised as game-changing resources for contaminant detection in environmental, agricultural, clinical, and industrial settings. These tools use nucleic acid-based detection methods like PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect contaminants at minute concentrations, frequently before traditional phenotypic methods can pick them up. Genomic tools such as metagenomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based assays further enable the identification of unculturable organisms and the surveillance of resistance genes, virulence factors, and microbial community dynamics. In industrial contexts, especially in food production, these diagnostics contribute to quality control, contamination prevention, and supply chain integrity. As these technologies become more affordable and user-friendly, their adoption is expected to grow, offering robust solutions for real-time, field-deployable contaminant detection.