Owing
to the excellent performances of high sensitivity, high specificity,
on-site detection, and multiplexing capability, surface-enhanced Raman
scattering (SERS)-based aptasensors have performed prosperous applications
and gained impressive progress in food safety. Herein, we reviewed
the SERS-based aptasensors from the principles to specific applications
in food safety. First, the sensor-working principles, SERS label design
and preparation are introduced. Then, the popular platforms in the
aptasensors are summarized with their advantages and disadvantages,
followed by their representative applications. Further, the specific
applications of developing SERS-based aptasensors in food safety are
systematically provided. Moreover, the multiplex analysis using SERS
labels are highlighted. Finally, challenges and perspectives for improving
the SERS-based aptasensor performance are also discussed, aiming to
give some proposes for researchers to choose suitable SERS-based aptasensors
according to specific applications.