Enterobacteriaceae in the food chain—modern strategies for detection and control

Jasna Kureljušić; Jelena Maletić; Ana Vasić; Nikola Rokvić; Slavica Moračanin; Filip Spasojević; Aleksandra Tasić

doi:10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.86

Jasna Kureljušić Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9366-1857
Jelena Maletić Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9437-8159
Ana Vasić Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0653-2935
Nikola Rokvić Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1554-5380
Slavica Moračanin Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6904-9510
Filip Spasojević Al Dahra doo Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandra Tasić Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8361-5697

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.86

Keywords: foodborne illness, Enterobacteriaceae, antibiotic resistance, pathogen control, PCR, biosafety

Abstract

Members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Yersinia spp., are significant contributors to foodborne diseases worldwide. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of their transmission through the food chain, resistance profiles, and modern strategies for detection and control. Particular emphasis is placed on advanced diagnostic approaches, including PCR-based techniques, isothermal amplification, and nanotechnology-driven methods. Control interventions ranging from physical decontamination (e.g., irradiation, pulsed light) to the use of natural antimicrobials such as bacteriophages and algal compounds are also discussed. The review underlines the necessity of integrated approaches in reducing the prevalence of foodborne pathogens and improving public health outcomes.