This book provides a comprehensive guide to methods for rapid detection and identification of microorganisms in foods and food processing environments. A stand-alone reference, it provides detailed information on various state-of-the-art techniques used in the area of food diagnostics, as well as approaches for developing novel detection techniques for microorganisms important in food microbiology and food safety. The text contains several comprehensive chapters, each covering a critical topic relevant to the contemporary food industry, including PCR-based and immunoassay-based detection of microorganisms, emerging technologies, challenges, and future trends in rapid food diagnostics.