Abstract
Modern research in food science and nutrition is transferring from classical methodologies to advanced molecular strategies in which next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology plays a crucial role. In this context, Foodomics has been recently defined as a new and global field using advanced “omics” technologies in food analysis. In recent years, “food-omics” technologies are widely applicated in food microbiology to identify, quantify and to track food microbial consortia in the food chain, as well as in the food safety and quality assessment. Metagenomics, referred to as community genomics is a sequence-based analysis of the collective genomes of microorganisms present in a given environment. This rapidly developing technique has provided new knowledge about taxonomic diversity and the dynamics of microbial communities at the genus, species and even strain level. An comprehensive metagenomic approach has proven to be a powerful tool in profiling the microbial ecology of complex ecosystems such as fermented foods. Currently, research focuses on understanding and controlling the fermentation process to ensure the consistent sensory properties of food products, increase safety and reduce food spoilage. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the latest achievements of the “food-omics” technologies applied to biodiversity and functionality of food microflora, food safety and quality control. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges and future applications of “food-omics” technologies in the food industry.
1. Introduction. 2. Methodologies and technologies in the field of food-omics. 3. Application of “food-omics” technology in food analysis. 3.1. Metagenomics as a tool for monitoring the fermentation process. 3.2. Monitoring food storage conditions. 3.3. Food safety monitoring. 4. Summary