This book provides a new focus on the rapid detection of food–borne pathogens, employing food production chains as a starting point instead of a specific method or various detection technologies. This reference is organized by production chains or contamination scenarios, and offers a unique collection of the newest and most effective detection techniques currently in use in diagnostic laboratories. It discusses application of these often complex methods and aids readers in selecting the most efficient method, finding the necessary resources, and avoiding the most common pitfalls in implementation. It also provides guidelines for faster, more user–friendly, and cost–effective enumeration of pathogens.