5 - Systems for Sustainability and Transparency of Food Supply Chains

Abstract

As a consequence of a series of food incidents and scandals that have taken place in the extended and more recent past, there is a growing concern that food chains need to become more sustainable to regain and retain consumer trust. Sustainability as a construct is continually evolving especially where the scope of mandatory and voluntary requirements changes and realigns. This chapter explores the narrative of sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the food supply chain and the definition of transparency and the degree, and nature, of disclosure of information to supply chain stakeholders. In addition, the chapter also considers the challenging roles of demonstrating meaningful disclosure in the management of complex food supply chains and the use of metrics to determine sustainability in food supply chains, especially if businesses seek to differentiate their performance and add value to products.