Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Rapid Food Safety Monitoring: Advancements, Applications, and Future Directions

This systematic review evaluates the principles, advancements, and applications of LIBS across diverse food matrices, synthesizing findings from 10 peer‐reviewed studies identified through rigorous PRISMA‐guided searches in ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed (2010–2025). Results demonstrate LIBS's capacity for real‐time, minimally destructive analysis with minimal sample preparation, achieving detection limits of 0.009–6.9 mg/kg through innovations such as nanoparticle‐enhanced ablation and hybrid systems (LIBS‐Raman). Portable LIBS devices further highlight the technique's potential for decentralized monitoring in resource‐limited settings. However, challenges persist in sensitivity for trace‐level residues (< 1 ppm) and matrix interference from organic components, necessitating advanced chemometric models for accurate quantification. This review underscores LIBS's alignment with green analytical chemistry principles by eliminating solvent use and reducing hazardous waste. Although LIBS excels in rapid screening, its reliance on elemental proxies limits standalone confirmatory testing, requiring integration with techniques such as mass spectrometry. Future research must prioritize hybrid platforms, AI‐driven spectral interpretation, and standardized validation protocols to bridge sensitivity gaps and enhance regulatory acceptance. By balancing agricultural productivity with public health demands, LIBS stands poised to revolutionize food safety analytics, offering a pragmatic solution for global pesticide monitoring amid escalating agricultural intensification and sustainability imperatives.