In the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry, technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences are driving the demand for transparency. As the sector grapples with product tracing, sustainability, and ethical consumption, it’s imperative to stay aligned with changing consumer preferences. This chapter dives into the essence of transparency and its critical role in the food sector, including issues like traceability, sustainability, and consumer trust.
The food industry plays a crucial role in our lives, as it is responsible for providing us with sustenance and nutrition. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern among consumers regarding transparency in the food industry. This chapter aims to shed light on the need for transparency be in the food industry and explore various aspects related to it.
Technological advancement has led to new traceability configurations that demand and secure transparency in the supply chain. Amidst digital disruptions, rapid transformations, and evolving consumer preferences, food industry dynamics also demand addressing the issues of product tracing, sustainability, and ethical consumption. In this reformative stage, it is essential for the food industry to remain in synchronization with changing consumer trends and needs.
What is transparency in the food sector and why is it needed?
When there is accessibility to the entire information cycle – upstream and downstream, starting from origin, location, manufacturing, ingredients, processing, shipment, expiry dates, certifications, batch no, receipt, etc. to all stakeholders in the chain and the end consumer, it could be understood as a system that is explicit, precise and transparent.
The Indian food industry is experiencing remarkable growth, making it imperative to explore every possible factor that ensures food quality and safety. To meet this need, it is crucial to assess the advantages of establishing a traceable and transparent food supply chain. This entails:
- Increased supply chain efficiency
- End-to-end traceability
- Food waste management
- Meeting upcoming consumer needs
- Customer confidence
- Accurate allergen declarations
- Ingredient statements
- Conformity with Govt. regulations and guidelines
- Product recall capability
- Whole chain traceability
- Standardization
- Integrity of data and product
- Information of product source
Consumer confidence
Consumers undeniably hold a central role in any supply chain. A primary objective of a seamless and transparent supply chain is to cultivate long-term trust and brand integrity with the end consumer. However, maintaining a consumer-centric focus can be challenging at times, especially when faced with economic considerations, a lack of coordination among various supply chain participants, or an emphasis on specific supply chain processes. Retailers and other stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the importance of transparency and traceability
Consumer awareness has generated a demand for real-time access to variable data, even at the point of sale (POS). Mobile applications like the Smart Consumer App serve as a gateway to a wealth of information that can be accessed with a simple scan. Uploading and updating information on the app is an easy and cost-effective process for business operators. The Smart Consumer App functions as an efficient, solution-driven interface that benefits both consumers by providing comprehensive product information and brand owners through product reviews.
Consumers will continue to demand more transparency from the food industry. They will expect companies to provide them with accurate and reliable information. Companies that fail to meet these expectations risk losing consumer trust.
Food traceability – A driving force for food safety and quality. The core aim is to trace any food product or food-related consumable item through the entire production, processing, distribution, and delivery process. It is essential to comprehend how traceability plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety and preserving the quality of food products. In a broader context, food traceability aids manufacturers in enhancing operational efficiency, informs consumers about safe and ethical production practices, and facilitates swift product recalls when necessary.
In simple terms, attributes such as the product’s origin, production techniques, processing methods, ingredients, packaging, ethical practices, shelf life, and sustainability are highly valued by end consumers. Traceability equips manufacturers and other stakeholders with the ability to proactively recall a specific product when any issue arises that could make it unsafe for consumption. Producers can ensure the procurement of high-quality agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Brand owners gain a digital platform to upload product details in compliance with mandated guidelines, offering authentic information to build consumer trust and enhance their brand image. Government-mandated regulations like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and other applicable guidelines can be easily verified.
The concepts of “fork-to-farm” and “farm-to-fork” underscore the significance of transparency throughout the entire food supply chain. “Fork-to-farm” initiatives concentrate on minimizing waste by encouraging consumers to make sustainable choices at home. “Farm-to-fork” initiatives aim to ensure that food products are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner, all the way from the farm to the consumer’s plate.
Sustainability
Sustainability holds growing significance within the food industry. Transparent sustainability practices encompass the promotion of eco-friendly farming methods, waste reduction, conservation of natural resources, and supporting local communities. Embracing sustainability not only aids in preserving our planet but also fosters consumer confidence. Looking ahead, we anticipate the emergence of innovative technologies and practices that further promote sustainability throughout every facet of food production.
Allergen declaration
Food allergies are a growing concern worldwide and pose significant risks to public health. Although only a small percentage of the population is affected by food allergies, an allergic reaction can be severe or even life-threatening. To address this issue, food business operators (FBOs) are required to accurately declare the presence of allergenic ingredients, minimize the risk of unintended allergen exposure, and take preventive measures when possible. It involves clearly labelling food products that contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. This standardized approach to allergen management in the food industry promotes transparency and consumer safety
Concerns regarding allergens persist among individuals with food allergies, caregivers, food business operators (FBOs), and regulatory authorities. Various stakeholders, including producers, processors, distributors, importers, exporters, retailers, transporters, and food service operators, all have a role in allergen management.
It is of paramount importance to establish a shared understanding of this issue and implement suitable measures. The food industry is subject to increasing regulations, such as the Food Standards Code, which mandate allergen declaration requirements for FBOs. This requirement obliges FBOs to provide allergen information, enabling consumers to effectively manage their food allergies.
Effective allergen management must span the entire supply chain and production process. The essence of allergen declaration lies in furnishing consumers with precise information regarding the presence of allergenic ingredients in food products. This empowers individuals with food allergies to make well-informed choices and mitigate potential health risks.
Food fraud and adulteration
Food, as a fundamental commodity, necessitates attributes of safety, quality, and transparency throughout its entire journey in the food supply chain.
Food fraud refers to deceptive practices involving food products, driven by the intent to mislead consumers or unlawfully gain economic advantages. Transparency plays a pivotal role in combating food fraud as it facilitates the early detection and prevention of fraudulent activities
Consumers have a fundamental right to know the origins of their food and what they are consuming. Across the globe, dedicated food safety and quality professionals ensure the consistency of the food consumed by customers. However, in lengthy and complex supply chains or in areas with regulatory blind spots, issues related to food quality and safety may evade detection. Governments must rigorously enforce regulations to counter food fraud and ensure that food safety standards are consistently met throughout the supply chain.
In India, a few food alerts have been observed in the last decade. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued notifications for food recalls, including ice cream, frozen snacks, and yogurt imported from Brenham, Texas (Blue Bell Creameries, USA) in May 2015 due to possible bacterial contamination. Another recent recall took place in 2020 when Brazilian nuts, such as almonds and peanuts, were found to be contaminated with Salmonella
Product recall
Consumer health and safety have always been of paramount importance, and recent food safety incidents have heightened this focus. Various regions around the world have experienced outbreaks of illnesses caused by food contamination, leading to significant harm and, in some cases, loss of life. Repeated incidents such as the horse meat scandal, egg contamination with fipronil pesticide, and the spread of Hepatitis due to tainted pork underscore the critical need for comprehensive tracking and tracing of the food supply chain at every stage.
Repeated incidents such as the horse meat scandal, egg contamination with fipronil pesticide, and the spread of Hepatitis due to tainted pork underscore the critical need for comprehensive tracking and tracing of the food supply chain at every stage.
Digital labelling
Government regulations are vital for upholding transparency within the food industry. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) holds the responsibility for creating and enforcing regulations pertaining to food safety and quality. As we look ahead, there is an anticipation of even more stringent government regulations that will further advance transparency in every facet of food production.
Labels remain a vital means of communicating with consumers, and they should be designed for clarity and easy accessibility to enhance consumer comprehension. Since it’s challenging to include all necessary information on physical product packaging labels, the role of digital imprint becomes increasingly significant.
Digital imprints or QR codes occupy minimal space on the label while offering comprehensive information digitally through a simple scan, greatly contributing to consumer awareness and supply chain transparency. These imprints enable the inclusion of not only essential product details but also web links, opening doors to additional authentic information from the manufacturer or brand owner.
Conclusion
Transparency in the food industry is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a collaborative effort from all involved parties. When examining the need and implementation of transparency in the food sector, several aspects should be considered. This article provides a generalized overview, focusing on the viability of sustainable traceability and the role of key elements such as product recall, allergen declaration, digital labelling, standardization, and addressing food fraud.
Looking ahead, we can anticipate the emergence of innovative technologies and practices designed to enhance transparency in the food industry. For instance, block-chain technology offers the potential to create tamper-proof records of food products throughout the supply chain, thereby improving traceability and accountability. Additionally, the utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning can aid in identifying potential food safety risks and preventing outbreaks.
In summary, transparency stands as a vital cornerstone for establishing a sustainable and morally sound food system. The adoption of transparent practices encompassing product recall mechanisms, traceability systems, allergen declaration, standardization endeavours, sustainability initiatives, adherence to government regulations like FSSAI compliance, implementation of GS1 standards, measures to uphold data integrity, strategies to foster customer trust, efforts to combat food fraud, transitioning to 2D bar codes, embracing fork-to-farm initiatives to reduce waste, and farm-to-fork initiatives promoting ethical production practices, among others, can collectively pave the way for a promising future in the food industry that benefits all.
