With continued development of novel molecular-based technologies for rapid, high-throughput detection of
foodborne pathogenic bacteria, the future of conventional microbiological methods such as viable cell enumeration,
selective isolation of bacteria on commercial media, and immunoassays seems tenuous. In fact, a number of unique
approaches and variations on existing techniques are currently on the market or are being implemented that offer ease
of use, reliability, and low cost compared with molecular tools. Approaches that enhance recovery of sublethally injured
bacteria, differentiation among species using fluorogenics or chromogenics, dry plate culturing, differentiation among
bacteria of interest using biochemical profiling, enumeration using impedence technology, techniques to confirm the
presence of target pathogens using immunological methods, and bioluminescence applications for hygiene monitoring
are summarized here and discussed in relation to their specific advantages or disadvantages when implemented in a
food microbiology setting.