: . 中国粮油学报n Characteristic Markers: A Review Zhao Luyao, Duan Xiaoliang, Zhang Dong, Liu Jianlei, Chang Liu, Shang Bo, Sun Hui (Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing 100037) Abstract: Grain and oil adulteration and identification has been a research hotpot in the field of food quality and safety worldwide. Potential markers has the advantages of high sensitivity and good specificity, which has developed rapidly in this field recently. In this paper, the research progress of biomarkers based on element analysis, isotope analysis, metabolomics and DNA fingerprinting in cereals and oils were reviewed. The development trend was prospected, which may provide the basis for the discovery of characteristic biomarkers in various grain and oil and the best adulteration identification technology. Key words: Marker; Adulteration; Identification; Grain and oil; Review