Food Supply Chain Research Articles

The Painful Double-Knock on Food Prices: 2008 Financial Crises and COVID-19 Pandemic

Food supply and demand chains are susceptible to global shocks. Unstable and sudden food price hikes cause serious malnutrition problems and increase the number of food-insecure people, especially in developing countries. Using the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), this study makes one of the first attempts to utilize monthly observations of the FFPI in dynamic time series ARDL and ARX settings to identify the effects of food prices on COVID-19 infection rates and the 2008 global financial crisis. Our empirical findings confirm that the financial crisis significantly increased the FFPI, although its effects decreased as markets equilibrated between 2007 and 2009. The pandemic has had a mild impact on food prices in the short run compared to the 2008 crisis, but in the long run, the COVID-19 outbreak has a larger impact, with 1 million new COVID-19 infections associated with an increase of between 0.0464 and 0.0509 points in the FFPI. Food price volatility and hikes, even if short-term, increase poverty, malnutrition, and food insecurity, foster social unrest, and lower people’s living standards. This research implies that food prices are globally sensitive to both pandemics and financial crises, and the severity of the pandemic can drive global food prices higher, depending on the number of infections. Over the long run, the impact of the outbreak surpasses that of the financial crisis. The latter tends to have a major impact on food prices in the short run but subsequently declines as markets begin to equilibrate, reflecting asymmetries between the two phenomena in their effects on food prices. Overall, the results indicate that the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic had a short-run, immediate, augmenting impact on food prices. However, while the 2008 crisis affected the supply side only, COVID-19 had impacts on both the demand and supply sides.

Enhancing resilience and reducing waste in food supply chains: a systematic review and future directions leveraging emerging technologies

ABSTRACT The sustainability of food supply chains is gaining increasing attention, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. A food supply system that simultaneously prioritises resilience and minimises wastage is crucial. It is found that many studies have explored reducing food waste and increasing supply chain resilience as separate objectives, but research is scarce investigating both objectives in conjunction. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review focusing on existing solutions to reducing food waste and enhancing resilience. It discusses future directions, particularly leveraging emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The studies are categorised into three main topics: crisis resilience solutions, food waste reduction solutions, and integrated solutions. The literature review reveals a lack of empirical and practical solutions for concurrently improving resilience and decreasing food waste. Further in-depth investigations are necessary to propose practical and integrated approaches that tackle both challenges jointly.

Isolation and characterization of pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from lettuce: a potential source of antibiotic resistance and development of a mathematical model for ANOVA results.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae contamination in raw lettuce from Risalpur, Pakistan, and to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolated strains. The presence of foodborne pathogens such as K. pneumoniae poses significant public health risks, particularly in regions with suboptimal hygiene practices and improper food handling. Lettuce samples were collected from various sources in Risalpur and screened for K. pneumoniae. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of various antibiotics against the isolated strains. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and linear regression, were conducted to assess differences in inhibition zones and to predict antibiotic effectiveness based on concentration. The results revealed a significant prevalence of K. pneumoniae in the lettuce samples, highlighting the risks associated with poor hygiene, transportation, storage, and contaminated irrigation water. The isolated strains exhibited high susceptibility to gentamicin but demonstrated notable resistance to doxycycline, vancomycin, and ticarcillin. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were identified. ANOVA showed significant differences in inhibition zones, and the linear regression model predicted a Zone of Inhibition based on antibiotic concentration (β0 = 10.6667, β1 = 0.4556). The identification of MDR strains of K. pneumoniae underscores the urgent need for enhanced antibiotic stewardship and food safety protocols to manage foodborne pathogens. Improved hygiene practices throughout the food production and supply chain are critical to mitigate health risks and address the challenge of growing antibiotic resistance.

Innovative risk management techniques in food safety: A review of best practices and emerging trends

Effective risk management in food safety is critical to ensuring consumer protection and maintaining the integrity of global food supply chains. Traditional approaches, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), have long been the foundation of food safety risk management. However, with the increasing complexity of food production and distribution, new challenges demand more advanced techniques. This review explores innovative risk management methods, focusing on best practices and emerging trends that are transforming food safety. Technological advancements are driving much of this innovation. Predictive analytics and machine learning now allow for real-time monitoring and hazard detection, improving the accuracy of risk assessments. Blockchain technology is being leveraged for enhanced traceability and transparency in the supply chain, ensuring faster recall management and improved accountability. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors provides continuous monitoring of environmental factors like temperature and humidity, which are critical in preventing contamination, especially in perishable goods. Additionally, risk-based inspection systems, supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), are becoming more prevalent, prioritizing resources where risks are highest. Emerging trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive risk management, big data analytics, and sustainability-driven risk approaches are reshaping the landscape. These innovations not only enhance risk mitigation but also align with consumer demands for greater transparency and environmental responsibility. Despite challenges such as cost, data privacy, and regulatory hurdles, the future of food safety lies in the continued development and adoption of these advanced techniques. This review highlights the potential of these innovative practices to improve food safety standards and protect public health in an increasingly interconnected world. Keywords: Innovative, Risk Management, Food Safety, Review.

Optimizing the food supply chain through the integration of financial models and big data in procurement: A strategy for reducing food prices

Optimizing the food supply chain through the integration of financial models and big data analytics presents a transformative strategy for reducing food prices. In an increasingly complex global market, managing procurement effectively is crucial for cost control and price stabilization. Financial models, such as cost-benefit analysis, financial forecasting, and risk assessment, provide valuable insights into procurement decisions, helping organizations anticipate price fluctuations and manage expenses. When combined with big data analytics, these models enable more precise predictions and strategic planning. Big data analytics harnesses vast amounts of information from various sources, including market trends, supplier performance, and consumer behavior. By analyzing this data, organizations can identify patterns, optimize inventory levels, and forecast demand with greater accuracy. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making in procurement, allowing for better negotiation with suppliers, efficient inventory management, and the reduction of wastage. The integration of financial models with big data provides a holistic view of the supply chain, enabling companies to implement dynamic pricing strategies and adjust procurement practices based on real-time insights. This integration helps in minimizing operational costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and ultimately reducing food prices for consumers. For example, predictive analytics can identify potential supply disruptions and adjust procurement strategies proactively, while financial models can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various sourcing options. Challenges such as data integration, quality, and privacy must be addressed to fully leverage these technologies. Moreover, investment in advanced analytics tools and skilled personnel is essential for successful implementation. In conclusion, the synergy between financial models and big data analytics offers a strategic approach to optimizing the food supply chain. By enhancing procurement practices and leveraging real-time insights, this strategy contributes to reducing food prices and improving overall supply chain efficiency, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Keywords: Food Supply Chain, Financial Models, Big Data Analytics, Procurement Optimization, Cost Control, Price Reduction, Inventory Management, Predictive Analytics, Supply Chain Efficiency.

Mitigation strategies for greenhouse gases to ensure food security

Global warming and food insecurity are global concerns, with agriculture being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, from agricultural activities significantly impact climate change. Approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Nitrous oxide is 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide and is mainly produced from organic manure and fertilizers. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, is released during fermentation, manure management, and burning of residues. Carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, is emitted through farming practices, fertilizers, pesticides, and deforestation. Climate change affects food security by directly impacting crop production and indirectly affecting food availability, cost, and supply chains. Hunger rates have been increasing globally, emphasizing the need to control global warming to reduce food insecurity. This review highlights various mitigation strategies for controlling greenhouse gases from agriculture with improved crop productivity. Soil characterization techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography, tracer and chamber-based methods, help to understand the soil composition for greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. Soil amendments, like biochar application can effectively reduce emissions by modifying microbial activity and biogeochemical processes. Controlled irrigation practices, minimum and zero tillage, and efficient nitrogen fertilizer usage also contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and improves crop productivity. Strategies such as slow release of fertilizers and the use of inhibitors help to increase nitrogen usage efficiency and reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Implementing these strategies globally is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing global warming, and ensuring food security.

Elimination of industrial Trans Fatty Acids from the food supply chain: With a focus on India

With the growing health concerns of Industrial Trans Fatty Acids (i-TFAs) present in food, efforts are being made to eliminate these Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) from food chain. Even after three decades of research which linked the i-TFAs and human health, getting rid of these from food supply chain is still a dream for major countries around the globe. Countries are struggling hard to convey the related scientific findings to the common public aiming to eliminate i-TFAs from food supply chain. Government and non-government organisations throughout the globe have implemented several regulatory measures to get rid of the Industrial i-TFAs from the diet. In the case of India, removing these TFAs from the food supply chain would need a multi-sectoral, proactive effort at the consumer and production levels. The paper aims to assess and give an overview of the i-TFAs to critically analyse the elimination efforts of i-TFAs from the dietary supply chain with a focus on India. The obstacles and challenges in the elimination process of industrial Trans Fatty acids from food chain are discussed which are relevant to the developing countries like India.

Sustainability performance of food supply chains with internal and external evaluation perspectives

Abstract The challenges of food security, water use, energy consumption and the growing global demand for food raise the importance of ensuring sustainability of the food supply chains (FSCs). Studies in relevant literature discuss the sustainability performances of FSCs generally without distinguishing between the internal and external stakeholders’ concerns or clarifying the existence of greenwashing or bluewashing attempts, jeopardising true sustainability. This is why modelling towards some holistic treatment of the problem that satisfies those concerns is required. This paper proposes a framework to evaluate the true sustainability performance of FSCs by considering Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) indicators, i.e. economic, environmental and social. In light of the proposed framework, two models have been developed, one calculating the internal and the other an external sustainability score. The presented models can handle interval or ordinal qualitative and quantitative indicators concurrently while considering desirable and undesirable factors. These novel models have been implemented on data from fifty FSCs in Istanbul, using a two-stage Imprecise Data Envelopment Analysis (IDEA) with a special multiplier. To facilitate visualisation of true sustainability assessment, an internal-external sustainability performance matrix is proposed. Results reveal that the internal sustainability performance of the focal FSCs is better than the external one. The economic dimension predominates in Turkish FSCs’ internal sustainability performance, while the environmental and social dimensions predominate in the external sustainability performance of the FSCs.

The Re-Emergence of Food Security in the Western World: Short Supply Chains in Portuguese Territorial Contexts

In the context of growing concerns surrounding food security and sustainability, this paper examines the emergence of short food supply chains (SFSCs) as alternative food systems. Focusing on box schemes in Portugal, the study investigates the socioeconomic factors influencing the presence of SFSC actors, utilizing a quantitative approach. Drawing on data from 420 producers offering food boxes and secondary data on municipality-level variables, the analysis reveals nuanced relationships between factors such as average income, urbanization, education levels, gender composition, and the proliferation of SFSCs. Notably, the study uncovers differential patterns in the determinants of SFSC presence between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, highlighting the significance of territorial contexts. The findings contribute empirical insights to the evolving literature on SFSCs, informing strategies for fostering resilient and equitable food systems in diverse geographic settings.

Fundamentals of Edible Coatings and Combination with Biocontrol Agents: A Strategy to Improve Postharvest Fruit Preservation.

Challenges in global food supply chains include preserving postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The utilization of edible coatings (ECs) combined with biocontrol agents (BCAs) represents a promising strategy to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf life of these commodities. This review analyzes the most recent developments in EC technologies and their combination with BCAs, highlighting their synergistic effects on postharvest pathogen control and quality maintenance. Various types of ECs, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are discussed alongside coating fundamentals and the mechanisms through which BCAs contribute to pathogen suppression. The review also highlights the efficacy of these combined approaches in maintaining the physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and nutritional value of fruits. Key challenges such as regulatory requirements, consumer acceptance, and the scalability of these technologies are addressed. Future research directions are proposed to optimize formulations, improve application techniques, and enhance the overall efficacy of these biocomposite coatings and multifunctional coatings. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of using ECs and BCAs for sustainable postharvest management.

‘Road runners’ and Fanta: Intersectional cultural food in/security among Zimbabwean migrants living in UK cities

The incidence of food insecurity among migrant and diasporic communities living in rich global North cities is growing. A key dimension of this is the absence of culturally appropriate food which is integral to both feeding and nourishing mobile bodies. In this paper, we deploy an intersectional approach to cultural food in/security to explore the foodscapes of Zimbabwean communities living in British cities. We unpack how and why food cultures are critical in shaping migrant experiences of food in/security and the diversification of food cultures over time and place and mediated by intersectional subjectivities. We map local, regional and transnational food supply chains as migrants seek to redress issues of access and availability to source foods familiar to them to maintain the cultural significance of food and food practices within families and diaspora communities.

Effects of the interaction between resilience development and digital transformation on the performance of the Australian food supply chains

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the relationship between resilience development and digital transformation (DT) and its effect on food supply chain (FSC) performance. A survey of 208 practitioners in the Australian FSC was conducted, and the collected data was analysed using multivariate data analysis techniques. Findings suggest a positive impact on performance, particularly in terms of on-time, in-full delivery and inventory turnover. Organisations with low resilience can significantly improve their performance through the adoption of technologies, while those with well-established resilience display a lesser impact. Our research enhances the current understanding of the relationship between DT and resilience, and its impact on the food supply chain during disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Results can help practitioners to effectively implement both DT and resilience development to enhance performance, ensure coherent strategies and prevent frustrated efforts.

DNA Metabarcoding Approach as a Potential Tool for Supporting Official Food Control Programs: A Case Study.

Food authentication significantly impacts consumer health and the credibility of Food Business Operators (FBOs). As European regulations mandate the verification of food authenticity and supply chain integrity, competent authorities require access to innovative analytical methods to identify and prevent food fraud. This study utilizes the DNA metabarcoding approach on meat preparations, sampled during an official control activity. It assesses animal and plant composition by amplifying DNA fragments of the 12S rRNA and trnL (UAA) genes, respectively. The results not only confirmed the declared species but also revealed undeclared and unexpected taxa in products labelled as containing a single animal species and various unspecified plant species. Notable findings such as the presence of Murinae, Sus scrofa, Ovis aries, and Pisum sativum could raise public health concerns, compromise consumer choices made for ethical or religious reasons, and reflect the hygienic conditions of the processing plant. This study demonstrates that the DNA metabarcoding approach looks to be a promising support tool for official control authorities to ensure food authenticity and safety, and to develop risk profiles along the supply chain.

Harnessing the Potential of Whey in the Creation of Innovative Food Products: Contributions to the Circular Economy

Food waste and by-products are intricately linked to sustainable food production, as reducing waste can play a significant role in achieving a more sustainable and efficient food system. Sustainable utilization and recovery of by-products can significantly contribute by creating strategies that can lead to cost savings and increased efficiency across the food supply chain. Worldwide, more than 40% of whey from cheese production is discarded, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients and potentially polluting the environment. Effective use of whey reduces environmental impact and enhances manufacturing sustainability. Thus, a circular approach to food waste management in the dairy industry supports sustainability goals and creates opportunities for innovation. Whey contains most of the soluble components of milk, including a large number of serum proteins and all the essential amino acids, making it suitable for producing beverages with high nutritional value. This study aims to produce whey-based beverages with different additions to obtain dairy products with high nutritional value. Three different ingredients, sea buckthorn, ginger, and cinnamon, were chosen for their numerous health benefits to the consumer. Six samples were prepared utilizing both unmodified and deproteinized whey in a 75% proportion, with the addition of 25% sea buckthorn juice, 0.75% ginger juice, and 0.2% cinnamon powder. The resultant samples were packaged in 200 mL bottles and maintained at a controlled temperature of 6 °C to ensure optimal preservation. Given the paramount importance of consumer acceptability in novel beverage development, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the sensory properties of the formulated beverages. In addition, physico-chemical properties and their evolution over 14 days of storage were examined. The sample containing whey, sea buckthorn juice, ginger juice, and cinnamon powder received the highest marks from the tasters. The values of the physico-chemical parameters varied depending on the type of whey used and the storage period. Thus, a pH of approximately 5 and an acidity between 30 and 80 °T were recorded. The average lactose content was 4%, the average protein content was 2.5%, and the total soluble solids content was 11.5 °Brix. The beverages developed in this study represent viable alternatives for diversifying food production through sustainable, environmentally friendly technological variants. By applying circular economy principles, these products contribute to reducing food waste in the dairy industry.

Impact of resource reconfiguration on the dairy supply chain resilience

Investment in food supply chain resilience, as a critical infrastructure, has become necessary for all governments. Disruption of food supply chains can lead to significant economic challenges. Building a resilient supply chain requires resources; however, it is difficult for firms to allocate resources to various resilience strategies. This study allocates the budget to resilient capacity, that is, absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacity, to minimize supply chain costs and maximize service levels. We developed a novel multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming method for problem formulation. The developed model was converted into an equivalent linear model. We used the Monte Carlo approach to generate the scenarios and the average sample approximation to determine the required scenarios. Finally, the Lexicographic max-min approach solves the model using actual data from a dairy supply chain. The analysis revealed that allocating 50% of the budget to restorative capacity and the remaining to adaptive and absorptive capacity optimizes supply chain performance. This study provides insights for managers to make better decisions with a knowledge-based background, allocate resources to various resilient strategies, and build a more resilient and efficient supply chain.

Tracking perishable foods in the supply chain using chain of things technology

Modern food supply chains are intrinsically sophisticated due to their multi-participant and multi-echelon structure, which are challenging to handle high turbulent business environment. The development of Perishable Food Supply Chains (PFSC) has to be strong enough to manage any type of disruptions in the food industry. At the same time, the food processing industry must also take responsibility for the social and environmental consequences of their deeds. This has further led to performance deterioration and intensified design complexity. Recently, digitalization and Blockchain technology (BCT) have brought unfathomed rebellions in PFSC. Despite the potential and market hype, the application of BCT to track the perishable products and status of in-transit shipments is still a challengingtask for the food industry due to privacy and security issues, restricted transactional and scalability performance, deficiency of industry standards and managerial abilities, etc. However, integrating the BCT with the eventual benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) (i.e., Chain of Things (CoT)) increases the performance of good traceability in any supply chain. The proposed CoT-based Track and Trace system (CoT-TTS) employs a set of IoT devices, BCT, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The performance of CoT-TTS is evaluated through a case study using an EOSIO platform. The effectiveness of the proposed system is evaluated in terms of depth, breadth, access, and precision of the transactions.

Assessing operational resilience in food supply chains: a discrete-event simulation approach based on a framework for integrated decision-making

ABSTRACT Food supply chains (FSCs) play a critical role in ensuring food security but face increasing vulnerabilities to disruptions. With the objective to mitigate these challenges, this study focuses on assessing operational resilience within the Austrian dairy supply chain during sudden demand spikes. For this purpose, we introduce a novel framework for integrated decision-making which encompasses strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives, augmented with modular building blocks for FSC modelling and simulation. Based on this framework, we develop a discrete-event simulation model to assess and quantify the impact of strategic, tactical, and operational interventions on operational resilience. Our analysis reveals the effectiveness of upstream buffer stocks, adapted reordering strategies, and operational adjustments in response to demand increases. However, no single intervention consistently outperforms others across all performance metrics, emphasising the importance of tailored intervention selection. Hence, the major contributions, i.e. (1) the framework for integrated decision-making and (2) the quantification of potential interventions to enhance operational resilience, are useful for improving the operational resilience of FSCs and increase their ability to supply essentials in the short term despite disruptions. The results assist FSC actors in making more informed decisions to enhance operational resilience.

Advanced Queueing and Location-Allocation Strategies for Sustainable Food Supply Chain

Background: This study presents an integrated multi-product, multi-period queuing location-allocation model for a sustainable, three-level food supply chain involving farmlands, facilities, and markets. The model employs M/M/C/K queuing systems to optimize the transportation of goods, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) approach is used to identify optimal facility locations while maximizing profitability, minimizing driver waiting times, and reducing environmental impact. Methods: The grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), a meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior of grasshopper swarms, is utilized to solve the model on a large scale. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, particularly in solving large-scale problems where traditional methods like GAMS fall short. Results: The results indicate that the proposed model, utilizing the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), effectively addresses complex and large-scale food supply chain problems. Compared to GAMS, GOA achieved similar outcomes with minimal differences in key metrics such as profitability (with a gap ranging from 0.097% to 1.11%), environmental impact (0.172% to 1.83%), and waiting time (less than 0.027%). In large-scale scenarios, GOA significantly reduced processing times, ranging from 20.45 to 64.78 s. The optimization of processing facility locations within the supply chain, based on this model, led to improved balance between cost (up to $74.2 million), environmental impact (122,112 hazardous units), and waiting time (down to 11.75 h). Sensitivity analysis further demonstrated that increases in truck arrival rates and product value had a significant impact on improving supply chain performance.

Russo-Ukraine War: Ethics Cum Impact On the Food and Energy Supply Chain in Nigeria

Russo-Ukraine War: Ethics Cum Impact On the Food and Energy Supply Chain in Nigeria

Mycotoxin management: exploring natural solutions for mycotoxin prevention and detoxification in food and feed.

Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by various fungi, pose a significant threat to food and feed safety worldwide due to their toxic effects on human and animal health. Traditional methods of mycotoxin management often involve chemical treatments, which may raise concerns about residual toxicity and environmental impact. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring natural alternatives for preventing mycotoxin contamination and detoxification. This review provides an overview of the current research on the use of natural products for mitigating mycotoxin risks in food and feed. It encompasses a wide range of natural sources, including plant-derived compounds, microbial agents, and enzymatic control. The mechanisms underlying the efficacy of these natural products in inhibiting mycotoxin synthesis, adsorbing mycotoxins, or enhancing detoxification processes are discussed. Challenges and future directions in the development and application of natural products for mycotoxin management are also addressed. Overall, this review highlights the promising role of natural products as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for combating mycotoxin contamination in the food and feed supply chain.