Quality Of Food Products Research Articles

Сутність та детермінанти глобальної продовольчої безпеки

The article explores the evolution of the concept of "global food security", identifying and analyzing the key determinants that influence food security levels worldwide. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the essence and determinants of global food security to develop scientifically sound recommendations for ensuring the availability and quality of food for all people on the planet. The study found that the concept of "global food security" has evolved from a simple focus on food availability to a comprehensive approach that considers accessibility, quality, and safety of food products. Global food security is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses not only food availability but also its accessibility, quality, safety, and the sustainability of production. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. The systematic classification of factors influencing global food security allowed for the grouping and characterization of key determinants of food security, including: food production, international trade and logistics, climate change and extreme weather events, economic stability and economic inequality, wars and conflicts, technologies, and innovations. The article proposes a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem of hunger, based on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the need for urgent measures to ensure food security, which would include: reducing food waste and food loss; increasing funding and credit for farmers and developing agricultural and logistical infrastructure; combating climate change; stabilizing the political situation in countries suffering from hunger; addressing the indirect causes of food insecurity; increasing the availability of food aid for countries suffering from hunger, etc. As a result, achieving global food security requires a combined effort from governments, international organizations, and the global community to create fair and environmentally balanced food systems that ensure healthy and quality food for all people on the planet.

Experiment Modelling of Automated Verification Control on Environmental Conditions During Crop Storage

The study introduces a preliminary approach to enhance the supervision of food processing operators. Specifically, it showcases a digital model of an online compliance validation system with environmental conditions designed for food processing and preservation items that are sensitive to climate factors. The technology demonstration involves four fundamental stages carried out in a complete experimental cycle, where intelligent sensors gather and transmit data through a low-power wireless wide-area network from a farm specializing in sunflower seed storage. Subsequently, six consecutive scripts are executed, five of which are coded in Python. The integration of distributed data technology brings objectivity to the process of securely storing environmental parameters and objectively verifying their compliance with recommended hygienic, bio certification standards. As a result, monitoring the food production process becomes more publicly accessible and with higher rates of objectivity in decisions, enabling prospective buyers and certification agencies to assess the quality of food products with great precision. Therefore, the suggested digital model has the potential to ensure the utmost transparency in the food processing sector.

Home-made vs industry-made: Nutrient composition and content of potentially harmful compounds of different food products.

Many consumers perceive industrially processed foods as lower in quality and potentially harmful to health, with concerns about poor nutrition, additives, and harmful compounds formed during processing. Epidemiological studies have highlighted risks associated with "ultra-processed foods," but empirical comparisons between industrial (IND) and home-made (HM) foods are scarce. This study aimed to compare nutritional values and harmful compounds in IND vs. HM versions of four common foods: plumcake, fish sticks, tomato sauce, and cereal bars. The HM foods were prepared using similar recipes to their industrial counterparts, avoiding technologies and ingredients not available at home. The analysis revealed identical nutritional compositions between the IND and HM versions. Acrylamide (AA) and Maillard reaction (MR) products, considered potentially harmful, showed comparable levels across the food pairs, though HM versions showed slightly higher levels in some cases. AA was undetectable in IND plumcake and HM cereal bars, while HM fish sticks had higher AA content than the industrial version. These findings indicate that homemade foods do not necessarily offer superior nutritional quality or lower levels of harmful compounds compared to industrial products. The classification of food products quality based on processing or industrial ingredients alone is not a reliable indicator of their healthiness.

AUDIT AND QUALITY CONTROL OF FOOD PRODUCTS IN EU COUNTRIES AND THE WORLD

The article examines regulatory legal acts and other documents and literary sources regarding state control of food safety and quality in Great Britain, Germany, France, the USA and Japan. The health of every nation largely depends on the quality and safety of food products. In any country, at the state level, requirements for product safety and quality are regulated and their compliance is ensured. One of the methods of such provision is state control. The article analyzes the practices of controlling the quality and safety of food products in the USA, Germany, France, Great Britain and Japan. It was revealed that there are both common and special rules in the practice of controlling the quality and safety of food products in the studied countries. In all countries, control over the quality and safety of food products is carried out by state bodies. In all countries, during control, special attention is paid to the reliability of product labeling. Improper labeling entails banning the sale of products, removal from circulation or destruction of particularly dangerous products, and even criminal liability in France and the USA. The main responsibility for dangerous food products in all countries is borne by the manufacturers or suppliers of the products who put them into circulation. In the USA and Japan, information about the presence of allergens in a food product must be included in the labeling. In the USA, in order for the manufacturer's products to be able to be supplied for a government order, the enterprise must implement a quality management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001, and in Japan, in order to obtain a permit for the manufacture of food products, it is necessary to prove that proper sanitary and hygienic control is ensured by implementing HACCP system. In Germany, Great Britain, and Japan, quality and safety control is entrusted to local self-government bodies. In Germany, there is a product safety monitoring program throughout the territory, which makes it possible to monitor the appearance of dangerous products on the market, as well as to check the effectiveness of the established MPC of dangerous substances. The presence of "passports" for ready-made food products is checked only in France, although such a document is mandatory in EU countries. In France and Japan, exceptional importance is attached to the education of schoolchildren on food safety issues.

Feeding the cities: Urban agriculture for food security and sustainability of urban areas

Abstract With the increasing migration of people to urban areas, the demand for extra, fresh, and healthy food in cities has escalated manyfold. Further, anthropogenic activities, high rise buildings, and unplanned construction in urban areas are increasing urban heat. Therefore, the objective of this study is to review the salient features and constraints of urban agriculture, in addition to illustrating traditional and modern approaches, and policies used worldwide to promote the urban agriculture (UA). Urban agriculture is a key component of sustainable urban development that plays a pivotal role in combating food security and malnutrition in peri-urban and urban areas by growing different fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, flowering and ornamental plants in urban dwellings for food and aesthetic purposes. UA often combines with other functions like urban greening, biodiversity, waste recycling, environmental disaster reduction, CO 2 absorption, urban heat island reduction, recreational benefits, contributing to the circular economy and UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Plants in UA are grown in vacant open spaces, rooftops, balconies and containers, resulting in urban organic harvest by fostering income and health improvement. The concept of UA is being utilized efficiently in many countries. However, there is still a need to promote UA by arranging community gatherings and school students, creating awareness and capacity building through education and training. Growers need to be connected to land and open spaces, enhancing value addition in UA and formulating supportive policies to foster Agri-tourism in urban farms to making it a successful initiative. Recent innovative research ideas and new technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), automation and mechanization in UA are opening new avenues for quality food production in urban areas for sustainable cities.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ANNUAL CROPS SUBJECT TO BIOAGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT

The growing need for food worldwide causes changes in supply, which is not always concerned with the quality in which this food is being offered to consumers. That said, the concern with producing quality food, aiming at the maximum organic bases and available inputs, combined with the ability to produce one's own bioinputs on the farm, reduces dependence on external inputs, and greater control of production costs within the properties demonstrates a total internal interdependence for the production of food or raw materials. The research aims to evaluate the economic sustainability in the cultivation systems of the most important annual crops in the country; Soybeans, Corn, Wheat and Beans in the use of bioinputs on the farm to obtain a reduction in production costs. Research conducted in the municipality of Chapecó - SC during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 harvests. The research design is a factorial (3x6), factor A crop management, factor B different doses of basalt powder for the crops of Corn Harvest, Beans Off-season, Wheat Harvest and Soybean Harvest. Qualitative research on product/dose/target values. Economic results differed between production costing, attractive on a scale in R$/ha-¹ in biological management (A) and Bioagricultural (C) in the crops of corn, beans and soybeans. As well as the break-even point, the economic and financial results of the four crops evaluated were equivalent and positive in biological management (A). Expressively positive analysis in the economic indicators of profitability, between the different cultivable managements and doses of basalt powder.

Active Packaging System—An Overview of Recent Advances for Enhanced Food Quality and Safety

ABSTRACTActive packaging has emerged as a transformative solution in the realm of food packaging, introducing functionalities that extend beyond traditional passive containment. Active packaging technology intends to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of food products via the incorporation of functional components into the packaging material. This review paper explores the current state of active packaging technologies and their applications in preserving and enhancing the quality and safety of food products. The paper delves into various active ingredients involved in active packaging including oxygen scavengers and moisture absorbers, antimicrobial agents, ethylene absorbers and flavour/odour absorbers to enhance the shelf life. Furthermore, the study reviews the fundamental principles behind active packaging, elucidating the mechanisms by which these technologies interact with the food environment. In conclusion, the potentiality of active packaging to revolutionize the food industry by augmenting food quality, safety and overall consumer satisfaction is analysed providing a foundation for future research directions.

PH triggered on-demand tannic acid release via “open-close” of soybean isolate proteins spatial structure for shrimp preservation

The on-demand release intelligent packaging system ensures the quality and safety of food products by releasing antimicrobial factors in response to environmental changes. However, the complex fabrication process of traditional pH-sensitive packaging restricted their large-scale application. Herein, a novel soy protein isolate (SPI)/carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC)/tannic acid (TA) composite was successfully demonstrated as on-demanded TA release active packaging film, in which TA was in situ wrapped within SPI chains via tailoring the pH. The formed volatile biogenic amines from shrimp raised the headspace pH, inducing the opening of SPI spatial structures to release antimicrobial active factors. When pH was changed from 6.5 to 7.0, the cumulative release amount of TA from SCT-5 composite film increased from 11.61 mg/cm2 to 18.69 mg/cm2. When the optimized SCT film was utilized as packing material, the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp was extended at least 8 days. Furthermore, SCT-5 composite films exhibited excellent ultraviolet resistance (200–400 nm 99.64%), gas barrier properties (OTR: 11.67 ± 0.87 (cm3·μm/(m2·d·kPa)), WVTR: 638.77 ± 13.97 g/(m2·24h)) and biodegradability. Our findings presented a facile and novel strategy for designing protein-based on-demand release active packaging, facilitating the development of food quality and safety.

A growing concern: investigating sustainable water quality and urban food production in Freetown, Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT Clean water and food security are central to sustainable urban living. Yet, in rapidly expanding African cities, they remain unobtainable for many and a barrier to the health and wellbeing of millions of people. In Freetown, Sierra Leone, a city that has experienced rapid in-migration in recent decades, urban food security has become a major concern. One critical response has been the proliferation of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) to support food security and income generation for the poor. However, UPA sites are often exposed to a range of pollutants. This paper examines the environmental health status of three different UPA sites in Freetown. Qualitative and quantitative data show heavy metal concentrations that significantly exceed regulatory limits in crop (sweet potato) leaves and arable soil. Soaring readings of faecal coliform bacteria were observed in water used for irrigation, corroborating health-related findings which demonstrate a direct relationship between water supply, handwashing and diarrhoea. Elevated nutrient concentrations were also observed in surface water during the rainy season. Ultimately, crops were revealed to be hyperaccumulators for environmental contaminants, highlighting both the challenges and potential for nature-based solutions to strengthen food security and public health at UPA sites in Freetown and other growing cities.

“Flavor, fun, and vitamins”? Consumers’ lay beliefs about child-oriented food products

Health experts and consumer protection agencies have been expressing concerns about the nutritional quality and marketing of child-oriented food products for years, and political debates on child-targeted food marketing are currently happening around the world. At the same time, systematic research on laypeople's views on the topic is still scarce. However, knowing what these consumers think is highly important, as lay beliefs can affect food decision-making and consumption. We address this gap with two online studies. In Study 1 (N = 444 parents and non-parents), we develop an instrument measuring lay beliefs about child-oriented food products consisting of three scales: Nutrition-Related Concerns, Convenience, and Healthiness. We find small effects of socio-demographic factors on beliefs and observe meaningful relationships between beliefs and (i) thinking style and (ii) food purchase motives (e.g., visual appeal and convenience). In Study 2 (N = 571 parents), we validate the factor structure of the instrument by means of CFA and find that lay beliefs about Healthiness and Convenience predict self-reported purchase of child-oriented food products. With our research, we extend current knowledge on laypeople's perceptions of child-oriented food products and provide an instrument with good psychometric properties that can be applied in future studies. Our research offers valuable insights for policymakers and producers who wish to meet the actual demands of consumers.

Postrzeganie wybranych aspektów związanych z członkostwem w Unii Europejskiej w zakresie funkcjonowania przedsiębiorczości w państwach karpackich (Republice Czeskiej, Słowacji, Polsce i Ukrainie)

Geographical indications have been protected internationally since 1883 and have been protected by the European Community since the 1970s. Currently, there are about 3,500 names of agricultural products and foodstuffs in the EU register of geographical indications. The purpose of this article is to verify how selected aspects related to EU membership, i.e., EU policy on the quality of agricultural products and foodstuffs are perceived in terms of the functioning of entrepreneurship in the Carpathian countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine. The results of focus group interviews conducted in 2021 as part of a study commissioned by the New Direction Foundation on Carpathian products, their producers and surrounding institutions were used to achieve this goal. The scale of use of EU solutions analyzed indicates that 20 years of experience is only the beginning of the road for Central European countries in terms of product protection. The lack of a GI protection system means the demise of local and regional producers.

RELAÇÃO ENTRE BOAS PRÁTICAS DE ORDENHA, ÍNDICES DE QUALIDADE DE LEITE E BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL

Milk quality is directly related to milking management practices and herd health, with mastitis being one of the main diseases that compromise milk production. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of good milking practices on milk quality and animal welfare, with an emphasis on reducing mastitis and somatic cell count (SCC). The research was carried out at Fazenda Roxa, in Candeal-BA, with 70 cows, 40 of which were in lactation. Milk samples were collected before and after the implementation of good practices, which included reorganization of the milking line, disinfection of teats, cup testing for mastitis detection, and training of milkers. The results showed a significant reduction in SCC, from 1,100,000 cells/ml to 550,000 cells/ml, within the limits of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the incidence of clinical mastitis, indicating the effectiveness of good practices in improving milk quality. The study also showed that such practices contribute to animal welfare and the production of healthier milk, with economic benefits for producers. The implementation of these practices is essential to ensure the production of healthy milk, with positive impacts on the quality of food products and food safety.

Assessing Olive Oil Quality Using Different DNA-Based Methods.

Olive oil is appreciated worldwide for its unique nutritional and organoleptic properties. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are well-known for their health benefits. The qualitative characteristics of olive oil can be adversely affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. Particularly, microbial pathogens, such as mold fungi, can cause the deterioration of the oil and, thus, be a serious risk to consumer health. In this study, the effectiveness of DNA-based methods, i.e., endpoint PCR, Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), all based on the ITS2-28S region, were used to evaluate the fungal contamination of samples of extra virgin olive oil. All the DNA techniques were able to detect, albeit at different levels, fungal infections affecting some of the basic quality parameters of the olive oils analyzed. However, compared to endpoint PCR and/or RT-PCR, the LAMP assay greatly simplified and accelerated the identification of pathogenic mold in the oil samples. This may encourage the olive oil industry to adopt this method in order to offer the consumer an oil with specific health parameters and therefore guarantee the safety and quality of this precious food product.

Navigation literacy of primary health care personnel (using the example of the heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region)

Objective. To assess navigation literacy of primary health care personnel (using the example of the heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region). Materials and methods. Navigation literacy of primary health care personnel was assessed among all heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region (n = 58). For this purpose, a single-stage continuous online survey was conducted using a combined questionnaire developed by the Central Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Informatization of the Ministry of Heath of the Russian Federation. Results. The level of navigation literacy among the heads of the medical and obstetric centers of Orenburg region in 65.7 % of cases was excellent and sufficient. In the list of navigation skills, the heads of the medical and obstetric centers noted difficulties in the implementation of: issues of medical insurance (48.3 %), legal aspects of medical care and protection of patients' rights (27.5-48.3 %), healthcare reform (36.2 %). It was found out that from 63.7 % to 91.4 % of the heads of the medical and obstetric centers are aware of the ongoing state measures in the field of public health. The majority of the respondents (60.0 %) noted that they search for necessary information for professional purposes using digital tools. However, every third respondent (32.7 %) mentioned the difficulties in finding it on legislative issues, interpreting the quality and safety of food products according to their product labeling (27.6 %), solving problems related to mental health and well-being (18.9 %). These data demonstrate the need to improve navigation literacy of medical and obstetric centers managers in the digital environment. Conclusions. The modern multilevel and multicomponent healthcare system is associated with the need to improve the navigation literacy of medical personnel. The data obtained determined the main directions for improving navigation literacy of the heads of medical and obstetric centers.

The effectiveness of implementing the HACCP system to ensure the quality of food products in regions with ecological problems

This study developed and implemented a specific HACCP plan for the meat pate “Phirmennyi” at the small meat processing enterprise “Alteev” in Semey, Kazakhstan. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Food Production Technology and Biotechnology at Shakarim University, was carried out in an area affected by the ecological consequences of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. The study aimed to identify critical control points (CCPs) and assess potential risks following the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. Additionally, it evaluated the effectiveness of the HACCP plan in reducing contaminants, such as heavy metals, radionuclides, and pesticides, while considering the region’s environmental impact on food safety and quality. Standard procedures were followed for hazard analysis, CCP identification, setting critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and record-keeping. Heavy metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while Cs-137 radionuclides were analyzed with scintillation and semiconductor gamma spectrometers. Statistical analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel to compute mean values, standard deviations, and correlations, with significance defined at p ≤ 0.05. Five CCPs were identified during the production of an experimental batch of meat pâté, including raw material acceptance, blanching, cooking, cooling, and packaging/storage. Implementing this plan resulted in a reduction in contaminants, including a decrease in lead from 0.55 to 0.51 mg/kg, arsenic from 0.12 to 0.07 mg/kg, and Cs-137 from 7.2 to 6.8 Bq/kg. By addressing both the contaminants and the specific environmental context of the region, this research demonstrates the critical role of a well-structured food safety plan. The HACCP system not only improved food quality but also ensured compliance with safety standards, providing reassurance to consumers. This case study advocates for broader adoption of food safety management in regions with similar ecological challenges, promoting a more sustainable and secure food supply chain.

Community Member Perceptions of Dollar Stores in Baltimore City, Maryland: "They are Not Progressive for the Communities".

Dollar stores are the fastest-growing type of food retailer in the United States, prompting policy action across the country related to their perceived negative impact on the communities they serve. However, there is little existing research that explores community member perceptions of dollar stores, which is critical to inform new, equitable policies. To address this gap in Baltimore City, Maryland, where dollar store density is high, we aimed to describe community member perceptions of dollar stores in terms of their role in the broader community. We used thematic analysis to construct themes from community member in-depth interviews (n = 16) and one community member workshop (n = 21) to understand how dollar stores are viewed in the context of the broader Baltimore City community. Six key themes were generated: (1) dollar stores contribute to neighborhood "blight," (2) better retail is needed, (3) dollar stores meet certain community needs, (4) dollar stores do not invest enough in the community, (5) dollar stores vary in location and stock depending on race-based neighborhood qualities, and (6) product quality is low. Overall, participants acknowledged that dollar stores meet certain needs in communities in which there are few alternative retail options, but many did not view them as a benefit and desired to have other retailers instead. Participants also discussed the lack of dollar store investment in the communities they serve, and the low quality of food and non-food products offered. Future policy development should include community member perspectives to understand local context and align policies with community priorities.

The impact of bull breeding management on reproductive function (review)

Providing the population with quality food products is currently relevant. High-tech production of meat and dairy products requires breeding animals with high genetic potential. The main role is given to bull sires, since they are responsible for the constant reproduction of the breeding stock, which depends on the non-stop renovation of the herd with high breeding value’s calves. Management of growing and breeding of young bulls can directly affect the reproductive function of sires and the physiological health. The article provides analytical data based on literary sources containing research by various authors on this topic, and reviews methods and technologies for keeping breeding bulls on various farms in the Russia and abroad. Currently, there is a many problems of getting high-quality breeding young bulls to an artificial insemination center. Currently, there are problems with obtaining high-quality breeding bulls of the enterprise. There are animals with abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, joints, hooves, with signs of osteomalacia, etc. Such animals require additional costs for veterinary and breeding services. The quality of the sperm products they produce often does not comply with state normative. The reason is related either to the choice of maintenance technology or feeding technology. It is necessary to competently organize management, breeding and veterinary work in farms that are purposefully engaged in breeding young animals.

PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR OF PADDY FARMERS TOWARDS HYBRID PADDY SEEDS IN DHARAMPUR TALUKA OF VALSAD DISTRICT

Seed is the initial point of cropping cycle. Seeds play a vital role in agriculture and the seeds industry is rapidly growing due to the rising demand for increased food production and high quality seeds. The primary aim of this study was to explore the purchase behaviour of farmers regarding hybrid paddy seeds. To fulfill the objective descriptive research design was adopted with Multi-stage sampling method. Initially, Dharampur taluka was purposefully selected from 6 talukas in Valsad district. In the next stage, 10 villages were randomly selected within Dharampur taluka. Finally, 10 paddy farmers were conveniently selected from each village, resulting in a total sample size of 100 farmers. The structured interview schedule was used to collect the primary data from farmers. The collected data was analyzed with the help of statistical tools as simple percentage analysis, weighted average mean, rating scale, etc. The study found that most farmers (56%) were belonged to 41 to 50 year age group, primarily had secondary education (45%) and commonly combined farming with animal husbandry (58%). Most of the farmers (56%) owned small, fragmented land under 1 hectare. Hybrid paddy seed purchase was influenced by past experience and product benefits. KEY WORDS: Socio-economic profile, Purchase behaviour, Paddy farmers, Hybrid paddy seeds, Valsad district

Zinc oxide nanomaterials: Safeguarding food quality and sustainability.

In this era, where food safety and sustainability are paramount concerns, the utilization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising solution to enhance the safety, quality, and sustainability of food products. ZnO NPs in the food industry have evolved significantly over time, reflecting advancements in synthesizing methods, antimicrobial activities, and risk assessment considerations for human health and the environment. This comprehensive review delves into the historical trajectory, current applications, and prospects of ZnO NPs in food-related contexts. Synthesizing methods, ranging from solvothermal and solgel techniques to laser ablation and microfluidic reactors, have facilitated the production of ZnO NPs with tailored properties suited for diverse food applications. The remarkable antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs against a wide spectrum of pathogens has garnered attention for their potential to enhance food safety and extend shelf-life. Furthermore, comprehensive risk assessment methodologies have been employed to evaluate the potential impacts of ZnO NPs on human health and the environment, regarding toxicity, migration, and ecological implications. By navigating the intricate interplay between synthesis methods, antimicrobial efficacy, inhibitory mechanisms, and risk assessment protocols, by elucidating the multifaceted role of ZnO NPs in shaping the past, present, and future of the food industry, this review offers valuable insights and promising avenues for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance food safety, quality, and sustainability.

An in-depth exploration of food sustainability practices in industry – from initial concept to development and evaluation

The food industry is intertwined in every continent and culture, shaping dietary habits and economies worldwide(1). Sustainability has become an increasingly important and widely discussed topic in the food industry influencing the decisions and actions of food industry companies and stakeholders worldwide. In an effort to become environmentally conscious and protect the earth for future generations, sustainability practices have been developed and integrated into food industry actions and policies which aim to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs(2). This study was part of a joint Erasmus KA2 European-funded project (2022-1-IE01-KA220-VET-000087508 Digitalisation of Sustainable Health Education) and aimed to explore current food sustainability priorities across the food industry in Europe and how initiatives are developed, implemented and evaluated to achieve food sustainability targets.In-depth semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 21 employees in the Food Industry sector across Ireland, Poland, Lithuania and Cyprus. These participants were selected based on their knowledge and oversight of their company’s sustainability practices. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed(3,4), whereby the data were coded, themes identified and discussed by all authors.Three themes were identified in the data: 1. sustainable practice challenges, 2. factors for consideration, and 3. thinking to the future. Sustainable practices were already implemented in all but one of the 21 participating companies. The main drivers reported behind development of sustainable initiatives included complying to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and setting emissions targets such as being net zero by 2050 and minimising waste generation. Participants reported cost, time required for monitoring and evaluation, retaining quality of products, and employee engagement as the main challenges for initiative development and implementation. When developing a sustainability initiative, participants felt that employee and stakeholder understanding and acceptance were important to consider for the success of the initiative. Future goals and initiatives were positively discussed as expanding on current priorities to reduce emissions and implement sustainable procurement and production practices, and gaps in research were identified as the proliferation of environmental labels and exploration of greater inter-collaboration between companies to share sustainability data.A focus on becoming more sustainable was at the centre of innovation development and future proofing for all participating companies, with plans to develop new or further enhance current policies to continue producing quality food in an environmentally sustainable way. Educating employees and stakeholders, including nutrition educators and graduates, on future initiatives and potential impacts is essential for raising awareness, strengthening implementation and ensuring long-term maintenance and success of food sustainability practices within industry. Future research into a policy for sharing of sustainability data, such as raw sustainability metrics between companies could strengthen initiative outcomes and inform nutrition education and research to meet market needs.