Detection of insect infestation in stored foods.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the detection of insect infestation in stored foods. Food materials of agricultural and animal origin are stored in different types of storage structures for future consumption or trade purposes. During storage, pest organisms such as birds, rodents, insects, mites, and microbes attack these commodities. Insect detection, in samples or in storage facilities, will continue to play a significant role as an effective management tool in the food industry. Detection methods applicable for commodity samples and in situ detection and monitoring in bulk storage and food processing facilities have been reviewed. Various methods are used to detect insect infestation in commodity samples. The choice of method depends on whether the infestation is inside or outside the food grains, in the surrounding premises or inside bulk grain, availability of equipment facilities, and required sensitivity. The methods developed have limitations of their own, limitations in their application, or limitations in interpretation of the results. Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods have been developed to detect both single and multiple species in food commodities.