Metrological traceability in process analytical technologies and point-of-need technologies for food safety and quality control: not a straightforward issue.

Traditional techniques for food analysis are based on off-line laboratory methods that are expensive and time-consuming and often require qualified personnel. Despite the high standards of accuracy and metrological traceability, these well-established methods do not facilitate real-time process monitoring and timely on-site decision-making as required for food safety and quality control. The future of food testing includes rapid, cost-effective, portable, and simple methods for both qualitative screening and quantification of food contaminants, as well as continuous, real-time measurement in production lines.