Abstract: Molecular imprinting technology demonstrates unique value in food safety detection. Fluorescent sensors prepared using this technology exhibit high specificity, high sensitivity, and visual detection capabilities, along with rapid response and convenient operation. They are suitable for various applications such as screening for harmful contaminants, quantitative analysis of target molecules, and monitoring of pathogenic microorganisms, providing a new technical approach to address the challenge of detecting low-concentration targets in complex food matrices. This paper systematically reviews the latest research advances in fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer (FMIP) sensors, providing a comprehensive introduction to the preparation methods of FMIPs, including one-pot polymerization, post-modification with fluorophores, and the incorporation of fluorescent nanomaterials. This paper focuses on the application of FMIPs in food safety detection, particularly in the detection and analysis of critical target substances such as antibiotics, mycotoxins and other harmful small molecules as well as pathogenic bacteria. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the future development trend of FMIP sensors. Despite their significant potential, challenges remain in achieving specific recognition in complex matrices and simplifying sample pretreatment. Future research should focus on addressing these issues.

Key words: molecular imprinting technology; fluorescence sensor; rapid detection; food safety