Abstract: The surface plasma resonance (SPR) sensor is an ultra-sensitive instrument that rapidly detects target objects by means of physical optics. Due to their advantages of being label-free, high sensitivity, rapidity, low reagent consumption and real-time monitoring, SPR sensors have aroused wide concern in the field of food safety detection. This review outlines the principle of SPR sensors and the current status of their application in food safety inspection with focuse on the detection of pesticide and veterinary drug residues, pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals and biotoxins. Moreover, the advantages of SPR sensors are described and future development trends are discussed.

Key words: surface plasmon resonance, sensor, food safety detection