Photodynamic inactivation in food systems: A review of its application, mechanisms, and future perspective

•Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising antimicrobial strategy.•PDI with and without exogenous PS have been evaluated in various food systems.•Antimicrobial mechanisms of PDI against food-related microorganisms are reviewed.•Development of PDI resistance is unlikely because of its multitargeted nature.•Future research directions for facilitating the PDI deployment in food are discussed.