How Technology is Reshaping Food Safety

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How Technology is Reshaping Food Safety

January 25, 2025

Julie Vargas

Vice President and General Manager, Identification Solutions

LinkedIn Profile

Originally featured on LinkedIn

As consumers, we expect safe, high-quality food. But with complex global supply chains, ensuring food safety is a massive undertaking.

That's why Avery Dennison is leveraging the power of digital tools like AI, IoT sensors, and blockchain to bring greater transparency and traceability to the food industry. We're not just printing information on food packaging anymore – we're creating intelligent labels that can be read by machines, providing real-time data that can be used to improve food safety and reduce waste.

The High Cost of Foodborne Illness

Food safety is a critical public health issue. According to the FDA, one in six Americans are affected by foodborne illnesses every year. That translates to countless recalls and a significant financial burden on the food industry.

By integrating AI and machine learning into the food supply chain, we can analyze massive datasets in real-time to identify potential safety issues before they escalate. This predictive capability allows us to pinpoint the source of contamination with surgical precision, minimizing the impact of recalls and protecting consumer trust.

By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, we can build predictive models that help prevent food safety events, reduce waste, and improve efficiency across the entire supply chain.

Turning Data into Actionable Insights

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is driving significant changes in the industry, requiring greater traceability and data sharing. While this presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for food businesses to optimize their operations.

AI and machine learning empower companies to turn data into actionable insights. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, we can build predictive models that help prevent food safety events, reduce waste, and improve efficiency across the entire supply chain.

Sustainability and the Future of Food

Sustainability is another key area where technology can make a significant impact. Food waste is a global problem, with an estimated 1 billion meals wasted every day. By leveraging real-time tracking technologies, we can optimize logistics, reduce spoilage, and ensure that food gets to those who need it most.

Looking ahead, I believe that interconnected devices and platforms will play an increasingly important role in food safety. Imagine a future where your refrigerator can alert you to potential food safety issues or expiration dates, helping you make informed decisions about the food you consume.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

The pace of technological change is rapid, and companies need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. This requires a commitment to innovation, a willingness to embrace new technologies, and a focus on continuous improvement.

At Avery Dennison, we're passionate about developing solutions that help create a safer, more sustainable food system. By working together, we can harness the power of technology to improve food safety, reduce waste, and build a more resilient food supply chain for future generations.

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