The use of real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) has recently been extended to food science. The literature has mainly focused on its use in ensuring food safety. However, it offers a number of advantages with respect to the quantification of non-pathogenic food spoilage microorganisms. Indeed, qPCR may have a promising future in improving the quality of food products. The present review examines the use of qPCR in this area, the basis of the technique, the requirements that must be met for optimal qPCR assays to be performed, and the advantages it offers over other techniques. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

This work was performed with financial support from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (AGL2010-18430), and the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (KBBE-CT-2007-211441). N. Martínez is the beneficiary of a JAE - CSIC contract financed by the European Social Fund.

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