Enhancing Food Integrity through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Herein, we examined the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as new fronts in addressing some of the pertinent challenges posed by food integrity to human and animal health. In recent times, AI and ML, along with other Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data, blockchain, virtual reality, and the internet of things (IoT), have found profound applications within nearly all dimensions of the food industry with a key focus on enhancing food safety and quality and improving the resilience of the food supply chain. This paper provides an accessible scrutiny of these technologies (in particular, AI and ML) in relation to food integrity and gives a summary of their current advancements and applications within the field. Key areas of emphasis include the application of AI and ML in quality control and inspection, food fraud detection, process control, risk assessments, prediction, and management, and supply chain traceability, amongst other critical issues addressed. Based on the literature reviewed herein, the utilization of AI and ML in the food industry has unequivocally led to improved standards of food integrity and consequently enhanced public health and consumer trust, as well as boosting the resilience of the food supply chain. While these applications demonstrate significant promise, the paper also acknowledges some of the challenges associated with the domain-specific implementation of AI in the field of food integrity. The paper further examines the prospects and orientations, underscoring the significance of overcoming the obstacles in order to fully harness the capabilities of AI and ML in safeguarding the integrity of the food system.