Food Forensics: Fundamentals and Technical Advancements
摘要
Food, a vital necessity for sustaining life, is paramount among our basic needs. It is the primary energy source for crucial biological processes defining life. In the modern age, food is more than sustenance; it has become a vulnerable element being exploited or misused to cause harm to individuals. In this context, food forensics is emerging as an essential field and is crucial in protecting public health and safety. It helps to identify and prevent foodborne diseases, food poisoning outbreaks, and contamination incidents. It also enables authorities to trace the source of contamination, remove unsafe products from the market, and implement preventive measures to safeguard consumers. The chapter emphasizes and elucidates the key concepts of food forensics, the consequences of food fraud, and the regulations, legislation, and guidelines related to food forensics. In addition, various analytical approaches being conducted for food fraud detection and identification are highlighted in this chapter.