Chapter 1 Challenges in Chemical Food Contaminants and Residue Analysis

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses several issues in chemical food contaminants and residue analysis, including (1) a global issue of food chain, (2) issues according to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), (3) issues according to the feed and food industry, and (4) issues related to consumer perception. The current use of routine monitoring systems for a limited number of chemical food contaminants and residues in the food industry and food-control laboratories does not mean that the challenges that are being faced are less; the challenges have simply evolved under the influence of globalization, new food technologies, and climate change. In industry, priority is on the implementation of rapid and inexpensive methods having a scope for those substances that are of paramount importance to their specific core product integrity. Recognized challenges are the increase of speed, the reduction of costs, and the extension of scope. The chapter raises some of the emerging issues that require the availability of analysis methods having a comprehensive scope to provide an early warning to the food safety authorities and generate the data for risk assessment.