Current laboratory methods in the identification of etiologic agents are viewed as slow. The standard identification is the combination of culture, isolation, and biochemical characterization. However, newer methods for identification are needed and encouraged for quick detection making way for the implementation of prevention strategies, thereby reducing the potential incidence of disease. Several promising technologies for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens and their toxins are pathogen/toxic specific and include: (1) Microtiter Immunoassay; (2) Rapid Immunoassay; (3) Biosensors; (4) Microarrays; and (5) Flow Cytometry. There are many challenges faced when analyzing food and environmental samples. One is the need to detect very small numbers of pathogen in a large volume of sample or in a sample containing large amounts of interfering contaminants. Detection improvements should include approaches that decrease the time required for pre-enrichment, enrichment, and post-enrichment to recover pathogens prior to the application of an assay. The development of these new technologies is in direct response to the change in the epidemiology of foodborne disease. As the food process becomes more complex and the diversity of food increases across the globe, the need for more rapid, sensitive, and sophisticated detection techniques will continue to rise. This need is even more apparent when viewing a potential bioterrorism threat aimed at food and water supplies, with a deliberate contamination of foods and water with highly virulent pathogens. Intensive integration of improved rapid diagnostics and enhanced and supported public health infrastructure are necessary to keep pace with the food production sector and protect the public. References