Biosensors are powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques in the food industry to ensure the
quality and safety of food products and process control. The most important characteristics of biosensor
devices are high sensitivity, specificity, short response time and mostly low production costs. Biosensors
can detect and measure various compounds such as toxic substances (pesticide residue, heavy metals,
fertilizers etc.) in food. Detection of contaminents, determination of food constituents (acids, sugars,
vitamins, antioxidans etc.), verification of product freshness and monitoring of food processing are the
areas of potential biosensor applications in food industry. Biosensors can also be adapted to monitor
various analytes in on-line systems of food processing in order to achieve food quality and safety. This
article reviews the development and application of biosensors (enzymatic and others) in food quality, food
safety and process control.
