Tag Archives: sustainability

Hands Globe

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

By Ainsley Lawrence
No Comments
Hands Globe

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
No Comments
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
No Comments

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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments

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.

magnifying glass

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

By Food Safety Tech Staff
No Comments
magnifying glass

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

GFSI, The Consumer Goods Forum

GFSI Conference Unites More than 600 Food Safety Professionals

By Food Safety Tech Staff
No Comments
GFSI, The Consumer Goods Forum

This year’s annual GFSI conference took place in person (in Barcelona), for the first time in two years. The event, which focused on the theme of sustainability, welcomed more than 600 food safety professionals and stakeholders.

“I still can’t quite get my head around the fact that after a life-changing pandemic, GFSI has managed to bring us together for a face-to-face, handshake-to-handshake, smile-behind-the-mask, non-Zoom event,” said The Consumer Goods Forum’s GFSI Director Erica Sheward during her opening speech.

During day one of the event, stakeholders discussed the responsibility of the food industry to help people who are affected by humanitarian crises, more effective food safety capability building to address supply chain challenges, and GFSI’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (no poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and responsible consumption and production). The conversation around food safety capability building also delved into challenges for emerging markets as well as small-to-medium sized organizations in developing economies that want to join the global market.

Day two addressed GFSI’s strategic priorities, including the organization’s Benchmarking Requirements for Professional Recognition Bodies. Experts also talked about data sharing between public and private sectors, and the importance of technology to enhance company operations—not replace humans and their expertise.

The final day of the GFSI conference featured discussions around how to reach sustainability goals and the involvement of food safety regulations and other legislative components, as well as the need for sustainability initiatives to be accessible and affordable in order to have a global impact.

GFSI compiled a full review of the event in its Executive Summary, which is available on the organization’s website.

lightbulb, innovation

Record Investment in Foodtech Boosted by Changing Consumer Preferences, Sustainability Initiatives

By Food Safety Tech Staff
No Comments
lightbulb, innovation

Investment in foodtech made significant leaps forward thanks to increasing consumer demand, digitization and innovation in certain food categories. According to a report recently released from Deloitte & Touche, LLP, the value of deals made in the sector from 2020 to 2021, jumped from $6 billion to $13.1 billion, respectively. Factors driving investment in the sector include continued growth in alternative and plant-based proteins, the establishment of tech-based platforms that improve supply chain logistics and consumer experiences, and technological innovation in general.

According to Heather Gates, audit & assurance private growth leader for Deloitte, the accelerated growth in foodtech innovation is parallel with advances in agtech. “Hydroponic farming, improved fertilizers and pesticides, and robotics AI are all enabling more sustainable, steady production of produce even in urban centers, which can help augment local distribution opportunities for foodtech platforms,” she stated in the report.

The expansion of food tech is also promoting more farm-to-table options to consumers, because it streamlines distribution and delivery. As interest on the part of consumers for healthier and more convenient options continues, companies will see an increased emphasis on innovation in foodtech that incorporates sustainability and waste reduction, nutritional considerations, environmental impact, more competition in making more foods available at an affordable cost, and continued emphasis on last-mile transportation.

Read the full report, “Road to Next”, on Deloitte’s website.