International Journal of Food Properties

Omics Applications in Food Science

The integration of omics technologies into food science has transformed the way we investigate composition, functionality, safety, and authenticity in complex food systems. Beyond traditional analytical approaches, platforms such as lipidomics, metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and volatilomics now enable comprehensive molecular characterization at unprecedented resolution. These techniques generate detailed biochemical and molecular fingerprints that reflect species origin, processing conditions, storage stability, nutritional quality, and environmental influences. When supported by advanced chemometric modeling, bioinformatics, and multivariate statistical analysis, omics approaches provide powerful tools for classification, discrimination, and mechanistic understanding. This Article Collection highlights cutting-edge research applying single- and multi-omics strategies to address emerging challenges in food science, from quality optimization and safety monitoring to traceability and authenticity verification across animal- and plant-derived food systems.

Food systems today face growing challenges driven by globalized supply chains, increased processing complexity, climate-related stress, and rising concerns over food fraud and authenticity. Traditional targeted analyses often capture only a narrow subset of chemical markers and may overlook subtle but critical biochemical alterations. Omics-driven methodologies address this limitation by offering a systems-level perspective, enabling identification of molecular signatures associated with species origin, adulteration, oxidative deterioration, nutritional shifts, and stress adaptation. Such knowledge strengthens regulatory frameworks, supports authentication standards including halal compliance, enhances shelf-life prediction, and promotes development of safer, more sustainable products. By bridging analytical chemistry, data science, and food technology, omics research contributes to a more transparent, resilient, and scientifically robust global food supply.

This Article Collection aims to gather high-quality research focused on the application of omics technologies in food science, with particular emphasis on food authentication, quality evaluation, and safety assurance. We invite submissions of original research articles, reviews, and short communications that explore how omics approaches can advance molecular understanding of food systems. Contributions integrating chemometric modeling, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning to enhance analytical robustness and data interpretation are especially encouraged.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Omics-based food authentication and traceability across animal- and plant-derived products
2. Halal authentication strategies using lipidomics, metabolomics, and complementary omics platforms combined with chemometric modelling
3. Detection of species substitution, adulteration, and food fraud in raw and processed matrices
4. Multi-omics integration for biomarker discovery in food quality and safety assessment
5. Molecular mechanisms of lipid oxidation, oxidative stability, and quality deterioration revealed through omics profiling
6. Proteomic, genomic, or other omics approaches for species identification, validation, and functional characterization in food systems
7. Volatilomic or metabolomic profiling for flavor characterization and product differentiation
8. Omics-based characterization of molecular changes induced by food processing, storage, and preservation strategies
9. Integration of omics data with chemometrics, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling for industrial and regulatory applications

This Article Collection seeks to bridge advanced analytical science with practical challenges faced by the food industry and regulatory bodies. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, we aim to promote innovative and scientifically rigorous strategies that strengthen food integrity, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust in an increasingly complex global food system.

Keywords: Food Omics, Food Authentication, Proteomics & Multi-omics, Lipidomics & Metabolomics, Chemometrics & omics data

Guest Advisors

Dr. Putri Widyanti Harlina, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Industrial Technology at Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia. Her research focuses on the application of lipidomics, metabolomics, and integrated multi-omics approaches combined with chemometrics for food authentication, halal verification, and quality evaluation of animal- and plant-based products. She has led and collaborated on national and international research projects addressing meat authenticity, oxidative stability, and advanced food processing technologies. Dr. Harlina serves on the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports and Discover Food, and is an Associate Editor of Food Materials Research. She actively contributes to international research collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation in food science and analytical technologies. Here is the link to her ORCID page: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9504-7252.

Dr. Mohamad Rafi, PhD, is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Indonesia. His research focuses on analytical chemistry, chemometrics, metabolomics, and the development of advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for food authentication, natural product analysis, and quality control. Prof. Rafi has extensive experience in applying multivariate data analysis to detect adulteration, verify product authenticity, and characterize bioactive compounds in food and herbal materials. He actively contributes to interdisciplinary research at the interface of analytical chemistry and food science, supporting regulatory and industrial applications. Here is the link to his ORCID page: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5225-8703.

Disclosure statement: Both Guest Advisors declare no conflict of interest.

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo desk assessment and peer review as part of our standard editorial process; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope  and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is December 31st, 2026.

Please contact Ruby Ru at [email protected]  with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

To submit your papers to this Article Collection, please:

1. Check "yes" for the question, "Are you submitting your paper for a specific special issue or article collection?"
2. Select the relevant Article Collection from the drop-down menu under the question, "Special Issue or Article Collection Name."