22 - DNA and nanobiosensor technology for the detection of adulteration and microbial contamination in religious food

Abstract

Recently, there are many cases being reported on food adulteration, food mislabeling, and food safety. The 2013 horse meat scandal in the United Kingdom had shocked the world and had brought much needed attention toward the need for stringent food manufacturing policies as well as the need to develop identification methods to identify food adulteration. Additionally, recent rise in cases of diseases transmitted from foodborne pathogens also has contributed to fear among consumers. Besides the aim for excellent food quality and safety, people's dietary behaviors are influenced by their religious beliefs. This chapter will explore the various DNA-based and nanobiosensor technologies that can be utilized for food traceability and adulteration detection in food. It also addresses DNA detection methods for microbes to ensure food safety. The mechanism of action, the roles of these methods in food identifications as well as the advantages of this technique will be further explored throughout this chapter.