Tag Archives: sustainability

Could the Right Digital Tools Transform EUDR Compliance from Burden to Advantage?

By Emily Newton
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The European Union’s Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) requires companies producing, importing or exporting select commodities to prove their goods did not originate from deforested land or contribute to forest degradation. EUDR compliance changes how food manufacturers’ supply chains operate.

Industry professionals should view this regulation as a business opportunity, not a burden. With the right tools, they can expand their target demographic, strengthen brand reputation and increase customer retention.

What Companies Should Know About the EUDR

The EUDR technically became legally binding in June 2023, targeting popular commodities like palm oil, cocoa, wood, soy, rubber, cattle and coffee. However, the E.U. allowed a 12-month phase-in period in December 2024, giving medium and large companies 12 months to comply. Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have until June 2026.

While these dates are fast-approaching, businesses have more than enough time to implement the necessary interventions. They should start with the fundamentals.

Why the Coffee Supply Chain Is in the Spotlight

Coffee is not just a commodity or a morning pick-me-up but a global sensation. For some, it is a lifestyle. They spend hours and thousands of dollars to pull a perfect espresso shot. In the United States, the arrival of fall is synonymous with “pumpkin spice season,” a commercialized cultural phenomenon dedicated to seasonal lattes.

In 2025 alone, the global at-home and out-of-home coffee markets generated over $485.59 billion in revenue. This popularity is not without its costs — this acclaimed crop has a history of environmental concerns.

The EUDR spotlit this sector’s supply chain because it contributes to deforestation. In Central America alone, growers have cleared more than 2.5 million acres to establish sun-grown coffee farms, which have higher yields than the traditional farms using tree canopy shade. Farmers clear-cut forests to make room for coffee trees.

How It Adds to Coffee Supply Chain Challenges

One of the top coffee supply chain challenges is fragmentation. Communication is challenging because many smallholder farmers — who grow 60% of the world’s coffee — lack access to modern technologies.

Even if farmers have messaging apps and email addresses, they may be unable to produce geolocation data, satellite imagery or detailed descriptions of forest degradation. Field audits are a possible alternative, but traveling from the E.U. to an equatorial country is expensive, especially since the EUDR mandates annual reviews.

What It Takes to Become Compliant With the EUDR

The cut-off date for deforestation was December 31, 2020. If locals cleared a forested area for agricultural use after this date, the EUDR prohibits goods sourced there from being traded on the E.U. market.

Businesses must establish and maintain a due diligence system to ensure EUDR compliance. MSEs and lone entrepreneurs must publicly report their steps to fulfill their obligations at least once a year. The due diligence statement template is the same regardless of commodity type or industry. It includes details like contact information, harmonized system code, country of production and geolocation data.

Reviewing Little-Known Compliance Considerations

Due to complex legal jargon, laypeople may not realize compliance extends beyond ensuring goods are deforestation-free. Several sections stand out in particular.

Packaging and Packing Material

While EUDR compliance does not extend to packaging that supports, protects or carries products — as long as it is not made available on the market in its own right — the European Commission reserves the right to review and update the regulation. One day, packaging and packing material may be subject to deforestation-free standards.

Eliminating unnecessary intermediaries may help streamline the process by reducing administrative overhead and preventing circumvention risks. Take nitrogen, for example, which increases food shelf life by slowing oxidation. It protects the rich oils and aromas that are tokens of freshly roasted coffee’s popularity, safeguarding taste and freshness. Preserving food this way requires specific flow rates and purity levels. An on-site generator introduces far fewer compliance obligations than a third-party supplier.

Local Laws

Growers often work long, tiring hours to cultivate and harvest their yields. Ripening windows are usually inconsistent, so they must pick coffee cherries individually by hand. Despite being fundamental to the supply chain, many receive little to no compensation.

Many industry professionals do their best to properly compensate their growers, suppliers and vendors. Since the EUDR mandates manufacturers to produce goods according to the country of production’s local laws, this practice is now mandatory. This includes abiding by land tenure laws and human rights standards.

Simplified Due Diligence

Those sourcing from low-risk countries benefit from simplified due diligence obligations. They do not have to assess or mitigate risks unless someone informs them of substantiated concerns indicating noncompliance. However, they must still evaluate supply chain complexity to determine circumvention risks.

As of 2025, the E.U. has placed countries of origin like Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Honduras in the standard risk category, meaning this simplified obligation is largely unavailable for food manufacturers in the coffee industry.

Digital Tools Transforming EUDR Compliance

Traders need their farm’s exact location. They can use coordinates or a two-dimensional polygon. Apps like TerraTrac allow for basic traceability. Publicly available maps like those from the Rainforest Alliance can also guide decision-making. Medium and large enterprises may prefer a platform that integrates with their enterprise resource planning software.

Traditionally, detecting deforestation as it happens is difficult. However, modern technologies make it straightforward. Global Positioning System mapping and geospatial tools provide more than coordinates. Professionals can layer descriptive attributes on top of a real-world location, mapping events, risks or objects to guide informed decision-making.

The blockchain provides a decentralized, immutable platform for tracking such data points. Business owners can seamlessly coordinate with everyone from growers to roasters. Since no one can edit or delete a block without every participant’s permission, tampering and fraud are practically impossible.

Artificial intelligence is another cutting-edge tool that can help streamline communication and decrease administrative workloads. It can translate messages, conduct risk analyses or automate reporting.

How the Right Tools Create Business Opportunities

Facing coffee supply chain challenges like fragmentation or insufficient digitalization does not have to be intimidating. With the right tools, it can even feel exciting. Comprehensive visibility enables brands to capitalize on consumers’ increasing sustainability awareness. They can provide QR codes with tracking data or personalize labels based on the product’s origin.

People will perceive these details as value-added features, incentivizing them to purchase. Early adopters can target sustainability-minded demographics, helping them strengthen brand reputation and unlock new market opportunities.

Even people who do not feel strongly about green or climate-friendly products will appreciate being able to verify their product’s origin and authenticity. Data is a moneymaker. It could enable companies to charge a premium for ethical, traceable goods — even if they do not change their formula or suppliers.

Brands Can Use EUDR Compliance to Their Advantage

Ensuring EUDR compliance will take time, but investing in the right digital tools — some of which are free — will streamline the process and create business opportunities. Those who change now could corner the market, ensuring success despite major regulatory changes.

Hands Globe

Global Sustainability Regulations Impacting the Food Industry

By Harold Chase, MPH
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Hands Globe

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal concern within the food industry, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally responsible practices. As businesses strive to meet these expectations, global regulations play a crucial role in shaping sustainable practices across the sector.

Notably, the EU Green Claims Directive has introduced new guidelines that impact how food products in the region and imported are labeled and marketed, ensuring that claims about sustainability are credible and transparent. This directive not only aims to combat misleading marketing but also encourages companies to adopt genuine sustainable practices, ultimately promoting a more transparent and accountable food system. Food industry professionals must be knowledgeable and agile when it comes to global regulations in the EU, North America and beyond as they work to improve sustainability and remain competitive.

Legislative Status and Recent Developments

The Green Claims Directive proposal has not yet been adopted. During the legislative process, it underwent significant amendments and changes by the two EU co-legislators, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Negotiations among them and the European Commission have been ongoing since the beginning of the year in the “trialogue” format.

Under industry pressure, they have agreed that third-party verification should take place within 30 days and may be extended, in duly justified cases, by an additional 30 days. In response to this industry concern, the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry is developing solutions to efficiently address industry concerns.

The European Commission announced plans to withdraw the legislative proposal on environmental claims before the last trilogue, scheduled for June 23, 2025, citing pressure from several political groups that criticized the Directive for imposing an administrative burden on manufacturers.

Following the Commission’s announcement, negotiations were suspended. The Commission later indicated that it might proceed with the Directive if micro-enterprises were excluded from its scope, as per its initial proposal, which, however, contradicts the EU Council’s mandate.

The incoming Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU is expected to take over discussions on this issue after consultation with the three involved EU institutions. In the event of an agreement this year, the application of the directive cannot be expected to occur before 2028.

The EU Green Claims Directive

In line with the European Green Deal’s commitment to combat false environmental claims and reduce ‘greenwashing’, the legislative proposal aims to introduce minimum requirements for substantiating and communicating environmental claims in business-to-consumer practices. These claims must undergo accredited third-party verification before being used in commercial communications.

The proposed directive sets detailed rules for substantiating and communicating explicit environmental claims about products. These requirements would take precedence over Directive 2005/29/EC in the event of a conflict. The directive applies to voluntary, explicit environmental claims and environmental labeling schemes not regulated by other EU acts, such as the EU Ecolabel, the Organic Products Regulation, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or the carbon removals certification framework.

Food safety professionals should be familiar with the main elements of the initial proposal for requirements for Substantiating Claims, Comparative Environmental Claims and Communication of Environmental Claims:

  • Substantiating Claims: Includes specifying the product or company activity claims, taking a life-cycle perspective and considering all environmental impacts, and ensuring that positive achievements don’t have harmful impacts on climate change.
  • Comparative Environmental Claims: Requirements include using equivalent information and data for assessment, generating and sourcing data in an equivalent manner, and covering the same stages along the value chain.
  • Communication of Environmental Claims: Covers only substantiated claims and ensures that the provided product information is among the most relevant life-cycle stages.

The Commission would be empowered to adopt delegated acts to specify the information that can be communicated. The requirements do not apply to microenterprises (those with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover/balance sheet total of under €2 million) unless they request verification.

The proposed directive also sets requirements for environmental labeling schemes, certifying that a product, process, or company complies with environmental label requirements.

US Food Waste Reduction Laws

In the US, new laws have been developed, aiming to minimize food waste and its impact on supply chain management. With that, state legislators have been increasingly active and concerned about food waste. NSF is currently tracking 68 bills in the current state legislative sessions that address food waste, four of which have been signed into law.

One new law that impacts the food industry in Maine is set to take effect in 2030. The law defines a “designated food waste generator” and establishes a hierarchy of actions to be taken with the intention of reducing food waste, emphasizing three key points: reduction, donation and diversion for agricultural use or composting.

Colorado also implemented a new law that creates a voluntary program to assist small businesses in implementing food waste prevention and reduction strategies. The law requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to:

  • Provide annual training that includes strategies for preventing and reducing food waste.
  • Develop a food waste reduction guidance document.
  • Place the document on the department’s public website.
  • Update the document at least once a year.

The law also encourages grocery stores to clearly display the ingredients of prepared food items and use “best if used or frozen by” dates instead of “sell by” dates on prepared foods. Finally, the law extends existing civil and criminal immunity from liability for injury or death resulting from donated foods to include faith-based organizations that donate food and food donations to such organizations.

Another new law in Colorado encourages schools to adopt policies to reduce food waste in school cafeterias and food preparation facilities. The law also requires existing grant programs to consider providing funding to schools to develop and implement effective composting, excess food donation, or shared table programs.

The last of the four signed bills is in New York, which recently implemented a law that provides an additional year for the implementation of a program requiring entities that generate large amounts of food scraps to separate and donate food for human consumption to the extent possible and when donation is not possible, to engage with organic recyclers.

Food industry professionals must be knowledgeable about the various laws that take effect, so that they can comply with the requirements necessary to operate in different states.

Packaging Regulations

Packaging plays a critical role in the food industry’s environmental impact. It is no surprise that many states have enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, New Jersey, Minnesota and Washington have all passed such laws, and many other states are considering EPR legislation. CA SB 54 was passed in 2022 and is perhaps the most comprehensive law of its kind in the United States. The law, which began phasing into effect this year, sets a goal of reducing plastic packaging by 25% by 2032.

The US FDA regulates food contact materials, including food packaging, as covered in 21 CFR. The CFR includes a list of substances that are prohibited from being used as food contact substances. With some limited exceptions, the FDA reviews all food contact materials, typically through the Food Contact Substance Notification process. This applies to packaging made from recycled materials, as the FDA requires manufacturers to demonstrate that these materials are safe for use in food contact applications.

Specifically, food industry professionals should be aware of relevant global food safety standards. ISO 18604:2013 is a mainstay in the industry, as it is an ISO standard that specifies the requirements for packaging to be recyclable. ISO 18604:2013 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. In particular, this SDG sets a goal of halving food waste among businesses and consumers by 2030.

Sustainability for the Food Industry

Transparency in carbon emissions and reporting is crucial for food manufacturers to remain competitive in the industry. In fact, there are three different laws just in the state of California related to climate disclosure:

  • SB 253, the Climate Corporate Accountability Act: Applies to companies with total annual revenues exceeding $1 billion doing business in California, requiring disclosure of scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
  • CA SB 261, the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act: Takes effect in 2026, requiring businesses that exceed $500 million in annual revenue to report on climate-related risks.
  • CA AB 1305, the Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act: Requires entities making claims regarding net-zero emissions, carbon neutrality or significant reduction. In emissions to make specified website disclosures.

Beyond reporting, the nexus of food, water, and energy is crucial to maintaining our food supply and cannot go unstated. Water management is crucial in sustainable food production, as agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater worldwide. Water is also intensively used in energy production. As we battle climate change, we may face challenges, as a shortage of water will not only impact our water sources but also strain our food production.

Adapting to Changing Global Regulations

As the global food industry continues to evolve, the imperative for sustainability has never been clearer. Increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures are driving businesses to adopt sustainable practices, making it essential for companies to reevaluate their operations and supply chains.

In this context, regulations play a pivotal role in fostering these changes, with the EU Green Claims Directive standing out as a significant force in shaping food labeling and marketing strategies. The EU Green Claims Directive not only aims to combat greenwashing but also sets a standard for transparency, compelling businesses to substantiate their sustainability claims.

As we delve into the current regulations impacting the food industry, including US states implementing laws that impact packaging and carbon emission transparency, it becomes evident that addressing challenges such as food waste, carbon footprints, packaging and water usage is not just a matter of compliance but a pathway to a more sustainable future.

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Sustainable Food Safety: Balancing Compliance, Waste Reduction, and Consumer Trust

By Ainsley Lawrence
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The food industry is challenged with maintaining strict food safety standards while advancing sustainability and reducing waste. Striking this balance is essential for businesses navigating regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. Sustainable food safety integrates environmental responsibility into compliance frameworks, ensuring food production and service remain safe and resource-efficient.

The Cost of Unsafe Food and the Need for Sustainable Solutions

Food safety failures have significant financial and reputational consequences. Recalls, legal liabilities, and consumer distrust can devastate a business. The cost of unsafe food includes lost revenue, legal fees, and supply chain disruptions, making proactive risk management paramount.

A study by the World Health Organization estimates that foodborne illnesses cost economies billions of dollars annually due to healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and food waste. Addressing food safety risks through sustainability-focused solutions, such as improved cold chain management and responsible sourcing, reduces these financial burdens while protecting public health.

Implementing sustainable and safety-driven practices helps businesses mitigate these risks. A well-structured food safety framework incorporates real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and strict hygiene protocols. These efforts reduce the likelihood of contamination while also minimizing food waste. Companies can enhance compliance and strengthen consumer confidence by investing in similar solutions.

Ensuring proper handling and storage throughout the supply chain can also drastically cut losses. Investing in food traceability technologies helps businesses quickly pinpoint contamination sources, preventing widespread recalls and reducing economic losses. Companies utilizing blockchain or radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking have improved visibility into their operations, which aids in regulatory compliance and enhances overall food safety.

Sustainable Farming: Enhancing Food Safety From the Source

Food safety starts at the source. Modern farming technologies, including precision agriculture, transform food production by improving efficiency and reducing contamination risks. Precision agriculture also optimizes resource use by leveraging data-driven techniques, such as remote sensing and automated irrigation. These technologies ensure that crops receive the nutrients and water they need.

Artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring systems help identify potential food safety threats early, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and excessive water use. These advancements support sustainability while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. As consumer demand for eco-conscious food grows, businesses integrating technology-driven farming practices will gain a competitive edge.

Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring soil health through sustainable practices, is another tactic to support food safety. Healthier soil reduces the need for chemical interventions and minimizes the contamination risks associated with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In this way, farmers who embrace regenerative techniques improve environmental and food safety outcomes, which benefits the overarching supply chain.

Expanding these sustainable initiatives requires cohesion between farmers, regulators, and food industry leaders. Incentives such as tax benefits and grants for adopting sustainable farming technologies encourage more producers to implement these practices. Governments and industry stakeholders can support the widespread adoption of sustainable techniques through collaboration. These actions protect food safety and environmental sustainability.

Low-Waste Practices in Food Businesses

Restaurants, food manufacturers, and retailers face mounting pressure to minimize waste without compromising safety. Low-waste kitchen practices like staff training and making food on-site help reduce food waste while aligning with food safety protocols. Employees trained in proper storage techniques, portion control, and inventory management can significantly reduce kitchen waste.

Simple strategies, such as repurposing ingredients, utilizing food scraps in secondary products, and donating surplus food, contribute to sustainability and cost savings. Businesses that integrate these methods improve operational efficiency while demonstrating their commitment to responsible food management.

Technology-driven solutions, such as automated inventory tracking and AI-powered forecasting tools, are helping food businesses further reduce waste. These innovations allow for precise demand planning which ensures that perishable ingredients are used efficiently, minimizing spoilage. Moreover, composting initiatives enable businesses to divert organic waste from landfills — further reducing their environmental footprint.

Partnering with food banks and local organizations is another way businesses can reduce waste and address food insecurity. Many companies have successfully implemented donation programs that ensure excess food is redirected to needy communities. This simultaneously supports social responsibility and waste reduction goals.

Companies that integrate circular economy principles, such as turning food waste into bioenergy or animal feed, go one step further towards minimizing their environmental impact. These strategies help reduce waste and contribute to renewable energy initiatives and more efficient food systems.

Consumer Trust and Transparency in Food Safety

Consumers are increasingly aware of food safety and sustainability issues. Ethical sourcing, clear labeling, and open communication influence purchasing decisions. Businesses in the food industry have lost customer trust and faced increased skepticism about food sustainability in recent years. Because of this, companies that engage in consumer education campaigns can strengthen trust by providing transparency about their food safety and sustainability efforts.

Customers value businesses that prioritize sustainability without compromising safety. Clear labeling of expiration dates, sourcing information, and sustainable packaging choices reassure consumers that the products they purchase align with their values. Companies that communicate these efforts effectively improve consumer trust and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Social media and digital transparency also play a role in building consumer trust. Businesses that openly share their sustainability initiatives, food safety certifications, and quality control measures on digital platforms can build credibility with their online audience. Engaging with consumers through interactive content, such as live question-and-answer sessions or behind-the-scenes videos of food safety processes, enhances trust and loyalty.

Receiving third-party certifications from reputable food safety organizations is another way to increase consumer confidence. Certifications such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic, Non-Genetically Modified (Non-GMO) Project Verified, and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) signal a commitment to high standards that reassure customers looking for safe, responsibly produced food options.

The Business Case for Sustainable Food Safety

Sustainable food safety practices are not just beneficial for the environment, they also make financial sense. According to industry reports, companies focusing on waste prevention and food safety compliance can save significant money by optimizing inventory management and reducing disposal expenses. These strategies use software and better packaging to create a positive cycle where sustainability drives efficiency, profitability, and consumer satisfaction.

Innovative packaging solutions, such as biodegradable materials and smart sensors monitoring food freshness, also contribute to sustainability and cost efficiency. Companies investing in these technologies benefit from reduced food spoilage, extended shelf life, and lower disposal costs while maintaining high safety standards.

Expanding sustainable initiatives also improves employee satisfaction and retention. Workers in environmentally conscious companies often feel a stronger sense of purpose, leading to better morale and productivity. This indirect financial benefit makes sustainability-focused food safety practices an even more attractive investment for businesses.

Future Trends in Food Safety and Sustainability

The future of food safety and sustainability is shaped by evolving policies and regulatory requirements. Governments and industry regulators are setting stricter guidelines to integrate sustainability into food safety practices — emphasizing reduced food waste, improved resource management, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Companies that proactively adapt to these regulatory changes will be better positioned for long-term compliance and success.

Emerging macro industry trends highlight a shift toward sustainability, local sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, and transparency in sourcing. Businesses investing in sustainable supply chains, alternative proteins, and food traceability technologies will gain consumer trust and meet growing market demands.

Data-driven food safety monitoring and automation will also play a pivotal role in the industry’s future. AI-powered predictive analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) tracking systems are helping businesses identify potential safety risks before they escalate, ensuring compliance and efficiency while minimizing waste. As technology advances, food businesses that integrate these innovations into their safety and sustainability strategies will remain ahead of industry shifts.

Conclusion

Sustainable food safety allows businesses to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and build consumer trust. Food businesses can achieve compliance by integrating technology, waste-conscious practices, and transparent communication while supporting environmental responsibility.

As the industry moves toward a future that prioritizes safety and sustainability, businesses that embrace proactive strategies will deliver safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible food products.

Spreadsheets, food safety documentation

Survey Says… 48% of F&B Suppliers Rely on Spreadsheets

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Spreadsheets, food safety documentation

From June 24, 2024 through July 15, 2024, TraceGains conducted an online survey of 483 food
and beverage industry suppliers to better understand supplier readiness and drivers for change and found
most suppliers stuck in the past, unprepared for change with legacy processes despite a
willingness and understanding on the benefits for modernizing.

To quantify the problem, a new report “Old Habits, New Challenges: The Critical Need for
Modernization in Food and Beverage Supply Chains” found nearly half (48%) of all suppliers
commonly rely on legacy approaches to manage communications with F&B buyers.

These legacy approaches hinder efficiency, with more than two-thirds (71%) of respondents
admitting these methods often cause issues such as data entry errors (39%) and
miscommunication (32%), negatively impacting their ability to operate effectively.

As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, manual processes will be pushed to the
edge. In fact, compliance with regulatory change made the top-3 list of reasons
suppliers want to modernize their software. Requirements such as the U.S. Food Safety
Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule for Traceability (204), set to take effect in January 2026, will
impose stricter traceability requirements for certain food materials. And, in Europe existing
mandates such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) already
require time-based sustainability reporting, adding further compliance challenges.

Sustainability continues to be a priority for almost all suppliers, with nine in ten (89%) saying it’s
at least somewhat important for new technologies to align with their company’s corporate
sustainability objectives.

Cost, however, remains the largest factor influencing software purchasing decisions, with 77%
of suppliers citing it as their top consideration, followed by ease of implementation (65%) and
customer support (56%).

Cargill Honored with 2024 Edison Award for Environmental Solutions

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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This month Cargill was honored with the Edison Award for Social & Cultural Impact – Environmental Solutions, named for American inventor Thomas Alva Edison, the awards recognize top innovative products and business leaders from around the world.

Cargill received the Gold award in Social & Cultural Impact – Environmental Solutions for its “1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity” program, which aims to improve farmers’ welfare, enhance their productivity, and foster social and digital transformation in agriculture by promoting regenerative agricultural practices. Since its launch, the program has benefitted more than 6,000 farmers across 21 provinces in Türkiye, covering 70,000 hectares dedicated to corn, sunflower, and canola production. Participants receive free training, access to digital agricultural tools and consulting services, empowering them to adopt sustainable practices effectively.

“Innovations begin with innovators. Our teams are continuously reimagining what’s possible and laying the groundwork to deliver big and bold innovations in food and agriculture,” said Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s chief technology officer and vice president of Innovation and Research & Development. “This recognition underscores the wonderful work from our teams and our purpose to nourish the world and deliver solutions that are better for our health, environment, and people.”

Edison Award nominations are reviewed by the Edison Awards’ Steering Committee and an executive judging body. The panel is comprised of more than 2,000 senior business executives and academics from the fields of product development, design, engineering, science, marketing and education, as well as past winners.

Felicity Kelly

Advances in Food Packaging Are Elevating Safety and Environmental Responsibility

By Felicity Kelly
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Felicity Kelly

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the field of packaging technology. New materials are changing the way the industry ensures food safety while also addressing environmental concerns surrounding start-of-life and end-of-life sustainability. From using innovative recyclable or compostable materials to ensuring sustainable packaging practices, these developments are reshaping the future of packaging.

Balancing Food Safety with Environmental Responsibility

Industry standards for food safety are vital to safeguard public health, but these standards should also consider environmental impact. Sustainable packaging practices, such as using renewable or recyclable packaging, help to minimize the industry’s carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Additionally, adopting sustainable packaging can enhance brand perception.

Traditional single-use food packaging materials have a significant impact on the environment. Single-use plastic packaging materials that are petroleum-based, in particular, pose a threat to wildlife and contribute to the large amount of waste ending up in our landfills.

Sustainable Packaging Designs and Materials

The environmental challenges of traditional food packaging materials have led to the development of renewable, recyclable, or compostable packaging options that adhere to strong food safety standards. Materials derived from renewable resources such as plant-based plastics and materials that break down more easily such as paper, are leading the sustainable packaging pack by utilizing renewable resources and reducing the overall impact of packaging waste on the environment. Other sustainable packaging materials include:

Wood pulp paper used to create sustainable takeaway cups, containers, plates, and bowls. As a renewable material, wood pulp paper is a good option for takeaway food packaging, as it is sturdy and lightweight and can be used in its undyed kraft brown form.

Sugarcane (Bagasse) is a renewable resource found in sugarcane after it has been crushed during processing to extract the sugar. Bagasse is a durable material, that is water and oil resistant. It can also be safely microwaved. Bagasse is also compostable under certain conditions.

Bamboo is a fast-growing species of plant that can be harvested without disrupting the root system or killing the plant and does not require any chemical intervention to promote growth, making it a good option for food packaging. Disposable cups made of bamboo are compostable under certain conditions, and bamboo can be lined with bioplastics such as cornstarch (also naturally derived from organic materials) to safely hold liquids.

Birchwood is a light, fine grained product that offers a smooth alternative to plastic disposable cutlery. When sourced from forests that are controlled, these materials have a sustainable start-of-life and are also compostable in certain conditions.

Another creative solution is edible packaging, where the food packaging is safe for consumption and can be consumed after use. This packaging not only reduces single-use waste but also adds a novel touch to the customer experience, providing a simple way for an establishment to stand out.

In addition to sustainability of the products themselves, advances in smart packaging technologies can reduce the amount of food waste entering landfill sites by extending shelf life. These include:

Intelligent packaging that incorporates sensors and indicators to provide real-time information on the condition of the food and alert consumers if the product has been exposed to conditions that lead to spoilage or contamination of the product.

Smart labels featuring NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to track the food product from producers to consumers.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging, which can modify the atmosphere inside the food packaging to extend shelf life by adjusting the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to slow down food deterioration.

Active packaging systems that interact with the food products they contain by using moisture absorbers, oxygen scavengers, and antimicrobial agents to extend shelf life while maintaining freshness and quality.

Businesses that invest in sustainable food packaging materials made from renewable and/or compostable materials not only help reduce the amount of waste directed to our landfills but also help meet the growing customer demand for more sustainable products. Addressing the potential risks associated with inadequate packaging and embracing cutting-edge technologies has shown that the industry can improve food safety and quality, while prioritizing sustainability and contributing to a more promising future.

Tom Woodbury

IoT Technology To Boost Safety, Compliance, and Efficiency: How to Get Started

By Tom Woodbury
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Tom Woodbury

Using Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems to automate temperature monitoring in refrigerators and freezers offers several benefits to restaurants. Following we look at how automated temperature monitoring works and how to get started with IoT.

How it Works: Automated Temperature Monitoring in Action

IoT-based systems use sensors to continuously monitor temperatures in refrigerators and freezers. These sensors are mounted inside the cold storage units in the warmest part of the unit, typically near the door or opening. The sensors collect temperature readings periodically and transmit the data to the cloud. As the data is recorded, the system can detect and report any anomalies.

If the conditions inside a refrigerator or freezer fall outside of predetermined thresholds, managers and staff can be notified (via text, email, or in-store apps) so they can take quick corrective actions outlined in their risk mitigation plans. In addition, the data that is recorded and stored can be analyzed to help identify trends that can be used to inform maintenance schedules and make operations more efficient. For example, the data may show how many years (on average) a refrigerator will last before it fails, so an organization can plan to buy replacement units before a failure occurs.

Benefits of Automated Temperature Monitoring

The positive impacts of automated temperature monitoring, enabled by IoT, are often realized in four key areas:

Food Safety. Maintaining a controlled environment in refrigerators, freezers, and other food storage areas reduces the risk of spoilage. By automating the monitoring process, organizations can keep a continuous watch on cold storage units and alert staff if temperatures rise above predetermined thresholds, allowing them to take immediate corrective action based on their risk mitigation processes. This is particularly beneficial in situations where a refrigerator door might be kept open too long, a freezer door is not entirely shut, or during a power outage.

Regulatory compliance. Regulatory agencies require reporting of food safety compliance. Typically, this is a human-driven process, with manual checks of thermometers and handwritten logs. IoT technologies that automatically monitor and record temperatures provide easy reporting of temperature levels over time. This streamlined process makes it much faster—and easier—to demonstrate compliance.

Efficiency. Automated temperature monitoring can make back-of-house restaurant processes more efficient by eliminating the manual “check and record” processes mentioned above. This frees up staff time to focus on other important tasks, such as serving customers.

Sustainability. By reducing food waste due to spoilage, automated temperature monitoring supports sustainability goals.

How to Get Started

With a wide range of IoT devices and systems available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. How can you get started? First, identify your organization’s overall goals in incorporating the new technologies, and then review those high-level goals as you investigate options. Here are some criteria to consider:

Device selection: When selecting IoT devices, one size does not fit all. Different devices deliver varying degrees of functionality. Some devices support a single use case, while others have multiple sensors to enable diverse use cases for scalability. Another consideration is battery life. Seek devices that offer extended battery life by leveraging user-replaceable batteries designed for low temperature environments. Other features to look for include use of food-grade plastics and support for firmware updates over the air (FUOTA).

Wireless technology: To effectively penetrate dense refrigerator materials (typically metal), most food service operators are using the open standard, LoRaWAN due to its ability to penetrate walls and maximize battery life.

Data caching: In the event of an interruption in connectivity, you must know what the refrigerator or freezer temperatures were during the outage. Some devices and gateways can cache data and resend as soon as they reconnect, while others cannot. Temperature data caching is critical for applications related to food safety, so be sure to ask for this during the research and evaluation process.

Deployment capabilities: Deployments are complex, and a provider that can navigate deployments at scale is vital. It is important to look at each provider’s technology offerings, installation, and deployment capabilities.

There are many benefits to using IoT to deliver automated temperature monitoring, and these benefits extend beyond food safety to sustainability and improved efficiency. They key is to identify the right devices for your organization’s specific needs.

Paul Damaren

Technology and ISO Compliance: Work Smarter, Not Harder

By Paul Damaren
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Paul Damaren

 ISO compliance is essential to maintaining high levels of food safety and quality. Trying to manage the ISO compliance process manually—with paper files or Excel spreadsheets—is an expensive, time-consuming, error-prone process. Manual systems make it difficult to spot noncompliance issues, track certification paperwork, and get real-time visibility across an enterprise. Technology can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving and maintaining ISO compliance.

SaaS-based quality and audit software can automate ISO compliance-related tasks, making it easier as well as more efficient and accurate to track quality metrics, document corrective actions, and generate reports. Additionally, this software can save time and costs, while reducing the risk of errors. It also provides real-time visibility into the compliance process, allowing organizations to quickly identify and address any issues that may arise, ensuring that they stay compliant.

Tech Trends to Watch

While technology has already elevated ISO compliance dramatically, there are some exciting trends we are watching that have the potential to significantly improve the process:

  • The rise of automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving increased adoption of technology solutions for ISO compliance and quality management.
  • The use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more prevalent in ISO compliance, as companies look for ways to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their compliance efforts.
  • Consumer demand for transparency and sustainability is driving increased attention to ISO compliance and quality management. This will continue to intensify in the coming months and years.

Recently, we have seen large companies adopting technology to improve their quality and safety initiatives. Some notable examples include consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble, who implemented a comprehensive quality management system that incorporates ISO standards. P&G has worked hard to achieve ISO certification across many of its global operations, vowing to operate responsibly, build and maintain public trust in their products, and meet (or exceed) all legislative and regulatory safety requirements.

Similarly, Swiss fragrance and flavor manufacturer Givaudan has implemented a digital quality management system to automate quality data collection and analysis, helping the organization achieve compliance with ISO standards and improve product quality. They have developed a structured system to identify, assess, respond to, and mitigate risks to protect the company’s products and assets. They also vow to improve compliance with proper corporate governance guidelines and to follow all applicable laws and regulations. Hopefully, we’ll see more organizations following their lead.

The Benefits of Adopting Tech Solutions

There are many benefits to adopting new technologies to achieve ISO compliance. These include:

  • Automating essential tasks. Tech tools make it much easier to track metrics, document corrective actions, and generate reports, compared to manual methods. They also improve accuracy, allowing you to save time, money, and hassle. The more efficient, streamlined process lets you work smarter, not harder.
  • Reducing risk. Tech tools can help organizations increase their safety processes and protocols, achieve ISO compliance, and reduce the risk of food safety breaches that could cause major legal, financial, and reputational damage. Maximizing safety—and minimizing risks—can help boost key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales and profits, as well as customer loyalty, retention, and referrals.
  • Centralizing data. Many food businesses have overflowing file cabinets in their back offices, and they’d be hard-pressed to find a specific document quickly for an auditor. It’s far more effective and efficient to organize these documents through a tech solution that provides centralized, organized data and reports. This way, you’ll always have quick, easy access to information at your fingertips, allowing you to instantly track, manage, and find the various components of ISO standards—including certification documents, audit information, and operational records. This can save significant time (and frustration) over paper file systems.
  • Boosting visibility and transparency. Tech tools provide real-time visibility as well as a wider, deeper, more comprehensive view of your whole enterprise—or drill down by location. With access to real-time data, your organization can quickly identify (and fix) any noncompliance issues that may arise, allowing you to stay compliant. It also answers customers’ and investors’ calls for more transparent information about your business practices.
  • Boosting ROI. Companies may worry about the cost of purchasing tech tools—especially during our current economic uncertainty—but this is one of the smartest investments that your organization can make. Investing in modern technology solutions will save you money in the long run. Tech tools provide a huge ROI, by helping companies cut costs through energy efficiency, prevention of food safety breaches, and elevation of customer confidence, loyalty, and sales. Becoming ISP certified can also result in other lucrative benefits, such as attracting new investors, and helping to recruit and retain employees.
  • Reinforcing key messages to priority populations. Since ISO is widely considered the global gold standard, when you become ISO certified, you’re demonstrating that you prioritize safety, quality, consistency, and compliance, and that you’ve followed guidelines to provide consistently high-quality products and services. Being ISO certified demonstrates to key audiences, including your customers, investors, employees, and other stakeholders, that you’re investing the time, money, and energy into running as safely, effectively, and ethically as possible, and that protecting them remains your top priority.

Technology can make a dramatic difference in achieving ISO compliance, transforming the process from the manual methods that organizations have used for years. By automating the necessary tasks, you’ll save time, identify (and fix) areas of noncompliance, reduce errors and headaches, boost efficiency, increase visibility, and centralize data. Now is the time to ditch your paper certifications and overflowing file cabinets and embrace a smarter, easier, more efficient way of working.

FSSC Releases FSSC 22000 Version 6

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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On March 31, the Foundation FSSC published Version 6 of its FSSC 22000 scheme. The updated version of the FSSC 22000 scheme:

  • Integrates the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022
  • Strengthens the requirements to support organizations in their contributions to meeting the UNs’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Incorporates feedback of the Version 6 development survey, which received nearly 2,000 responses

Version 6 will have a 12-month transition window to allow organizations and Certification Bodies to prepare for implementation and gaining accreditation. The first audits to Version 6 will commence April 1, 2024, and all organizations must complete the V6 upgrade audit before March 31, 2025.

The Foundation has published a Version 6 Upgrade Process document, which details the transition requirements and a version of the scheme highlighting the changes between V5.1 and V6.

One of the key changes in V6 is the addition of requirements on food loss and waste. Organizations must have a documented policy and objectives detailing their strategy to reduce food loss and waste within their organization and the related supply chains. The additional food loss and waste requirements support a silo-breaking approach to help organizations contribute and move towards the UN Sustainable development goals (SDGs).

FSSC schemes support the consumer goods industry in implementing effective management systems, protecting their brands, and achieving food safety targets.

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Pathogens, Contamination and Technology in Food Safety Key Themes of 2022 Thus Far

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Nearly halfway into the year, the following are the most-read articles of 2022:

6. Four Testing and Detection Trends for 2022

Four Testing and Detection Trends for 2022


5. Packaging Automation Can Be an Essential Tool for Food Manufacturers

Packaging Automation Can Be an Essential Tool for Food Manufacturers


4. 8 Reasons Sustainability is Critical in Food and Beverage Manufacturing

8 Reasons Sustainability is Critical in Food and Beverage Manufacturing


3. The Costs Of Food Safety: Correction vs. Prevention

The Costs Of Food Safety: Correction vs. Prevention


2. FDA Continues Investigation of Listeria Outbreak in Packaged Salad

FDA Continues Investigation of Listeria Outbreak in Packaged Salad

1. Coca Cola Recalls Minute Maid, Coca Cola and Sprite Drinks Due to Foreign Matter Contamination

Coca Cola Recalls Minute Maid, Coca Cola and Sprite Drinks Due to Foreign Matter Contamination