Guaranteeing the authenticity and safety of food items is a fundamental challenge for the modern food sector, with direct implications for consumer trust, public health, and global commerce. Molecular genetics has emerged as a powerful research area to address this issue, offering precise, sensitive, and high-throughput tools to detect fraud, ensure traceability, and safeguard against foodborne hazards.

This special issue is dedicated to advancing knowledge and highlighting different applications of genetic technologies in food control. We welcome researchers to submit original research and review articles that explore the use of DNA markers in food authentication, molecular detection of pathogens, toxins and allergens, and the development of novel PCR-based and DNA-based biosensing approaches. Studies employing biosensor development, next-generation sequencing, digital PCR, metabarcoding or other integrative strategies are particularly encouraged, as are innovative applications of molecular genetics to tackle food safety and authenticity challenges.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to: i) DNA markers and barcoding for species identification and food authenticity/traceability; ii) PCR-based and advanced molecular methods for pathogen and allergen detection; iii) innovative genomic approaches applied to food authenticity and safety; iv) high-throughput molecular platforms for routine food control and v) DNA-based biosensors for combating food fraud and adulteration.

By compiling cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews connecting molecular genetics and food science, this special issue aims to provide a platform for innovative solutions that will strengthen food authenticity and safety worldwide.

Keywords: Food authenticity, food fraud and traceability, food safety, molecular genetics, DNA markers, DNA barcoding, PCR-based methods, next-generation sequencing, pathogen detection, allergen detection, biosensors