PROF. DR. ELKE ANKlAM Food control is essential for consumer protection. Due to the fact that agricul ture and food technology have increased rapidly in the past the analytical prob lems concerning food have become more complex. The consumer expects com petitively priced food of consistently high quality. The main consumer concerns are food safety and food quality including authenticity proof. Many national or international official, validated, reference or routine methods are existing. Food be performed rapidly especially in the fields of microbiological control has to contamination and customs control. This handbook describes many kits, instruments and systems used for quality control of food. The tools listed are not only restricted to validated analytical methods but are also foreseen for routine and screening methods. In addition, an address list of manufacturers, distributors and sales agencies is given to gether with a list and information concerning selected expert laboratories. In this edition, emphasis is put on validation procedures of three organizations (AOAC, AFNOR and Microval). The purpose of this book is to facilitate the purchase and use of kits needed for food analysis and is therefore an important help for food analysts.