Food fraud is a serious and ongoing issue that deserves attention. The media continuously report shocking revelations about lapses in the global food industry that threaten public health.

Incidents like the 2008 Chinese dairy scandal, where infant formulas were adulterated with melamine, and the 2013 discovery of horse meat in beef products in the UK and Ireland have damaged consumer confidence in the food supply chain.

More recently, a large-scale criminal operation in Malaysia involved mislabeling imported meat as halal-certified, highlighting the need for transparency and information in the food industry.

The World Health Organization reports that millions of people worldwide fall ill from unsafe food each year, underscoring the importance of trust in food supply chains.

Fighting food fraud

Technology is now being used to combat food fraud. QR codes, geolocation, and blockchain technology are being implemented to track food from farm to table, ensuring safety and security. AI and machine learning help in identifying issues before they escalate.

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These technological advancements aim to eliminate fraudulent practices like adulteration, tampering, and product imitation. By using AI tools, it is now possible to track down counterfeit products and ensure the integrity of the supply chain.

From farm to fork

The farm-to-table approach emphasizes direct connections between producers and consumers to build trust. Technology enables consumers to access information about product origin, nutritional values, and the journey from farm to purchase.

Producers share data on third-party certifications and lab reports through blockchain technology, ensuring transparency. Geolocation tools and sensors track the product along its journey to prevent diversion or tampering.

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Consumers can verify the product’s journey by scanning a QR code, reducing wastage and increasing transparency.

Can’t stop the tech

New technologies like DNA barcoding are being used for quality control to detect food fraud. Consumers are demanding sustainable and transparent sourcing, pushing the industry towards tech upgrades.

Blockchain, RFID tags, and sensors allow real-time tracking of food, ensuring accuracy and security in the supply chain.

It’s time to take food fraud seriously and leverage technology to ensure the safety and integrity of our food supply.

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This article was first published on January 16, 2023

The post How technology is making our food safer appeared first on e27.