Next-Day Salmonella spp. Detection Method Based on Real-Time PCR for Foods

Reliable detection of Salmonella spp. remains essential for food safety, yet conventional culture-based methods are limited by their long turnaround times. Advances in molecular diagnostics, particularly real-time PCR (qPCR), have transformed pathogen detection by enabling faster, more sensitive, and more flexible analytical approaches. qPCR has gained prominence due to its ability to detect low levels of contamination and its robustness across diverse food matrices. In this chapter, we describe a qPCR-based strategy for the rapid detection of Salmonella spp. that adheres to the principles of ISO 6579-1:2017. The workflow integrates a short preenrichment step with a highly specific molecular assay, offering a streamlined and reliable alternative suited for modern food microbiology laboratories.