The role of technology in monitoring and verifying safety, quality and sustainability in agri-food supply chains

Publication date: 18/11/2024
Extent: 28 pages

Contributions by: Aleksandra Kowalska, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland; Laura Clapham, University of Cambridge, UK; and Louise Manning, University of Lincoln, UK

Chapter synopsis:

Despite investment in regulatory and private governance approaches, food safety incidents, poor quality products and misleading declarations still occur. This chapter will consider the developing role of technology in monitoring and verifying safety, quality and sustainability in agri-food supply chains and how technology plays a role firstly, in delivering traceability and secondly, transparency. The application of blockchain technology, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could facilitate the creation of robust, smart, digital chain(s) of custody. These digital chains of custody could deliver more equitable sharing of data and information, efficient assessment and mitigation of complex risk scenarios, and if required, effective management of product recalls. Digital chains of custody can optimise the use of resources (and reduce emissions) and improve the effectiveness of validation and verification of product claims regarding safety, quality and other environmental and social criteria.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0133.06