Molecular Detection of Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry: Emerging Technologies, Process Integration, and Applications in Food Safety Systems

Abstract

Poultry meat is a major source of animal protein worldwide, yet it remains an important vehicle for foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and pathogenic Escherichia coli. Rapid and reliable detection of these microorganisms is essential for effective food safety management across the poultry value chain. This narrative review critically examines recent advances in molecular detection methods used in poultry production and processing, with emphasis on both technological developments and their integration into food safety systems. Major approaches include conventional and multiplex PCR, quantitative and digital PCR, viability PCR, isothermal amplification, high-throughput sequencing, metagenomics, biosensors, and CRISPR-enabled platforms. Beyond summarizing these tools, the review compares their strengths, limitations, and suitability for specific applications such as flock monitoring, environmental surveillance, intervention verification, and outbreak traceback. Particular attention is given to matrix-associated effects, interpretation of viability, standardization challenges, and regulatory constraints that influence practical implementation. The review further highlights the role of molecular diagnostics as process monitoring tools that support rapid decision-making, improved intervention strategies, and enhanced food safety assurance. It is argued that effective poultry pathogen detection requires tiered, context-specific strategies that combine rapid screening with confirmatory and high-resolution methods. By focusing on poultry-associated matrices and operational realities, this review provides a framework for integrating molecular diagnostics into modern food processing systems to strengthen microbial hazard control and public health protection.