Preventing and mitigating food bioterrorism

Preservation of food integrity in the face of intentional and accidental threats is a major issue in modern society and an essential aspect of international trade. Food production chains are vulnerable to intentional acts aimed at undermining consumer confidence and causing health problems. Terrorists may interfere with food production and distribution chains, with the aim of causing diseases to plants, animals and humans through the use of biotic and abiotic agents. Traceability measures coupled with analytical detection and fingerprinting of food components can be applied effectively to prevent and mitigate the effects of these threats. Innovative research in the field of devices and microdevices for food chain analysis offers fresh hope that the phenomenon can be more effectively addressed.