A conceptual understanding of criminality and integrity challenges in food supply chains

Abstract

Purpose Business, consumers and governmental organisations are harbouring a growing need to gain an appreciation of behaviours connected to food criminality. In order to acquire a cross-functional understanding of these thematic areas (crime and fraud) the mapping of existing research is needed. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper contributes to the process of knowledge understanding, by systematically reviewing literature to provide an analysis of the current body of business knowledge against the thematic criterion of “supply chain food crime” and “supply chain food fraud”. The analysis derives themes from the literature and maps this across the eight pillars underpinning the UK Government paper on food supply chain resilience. Findings A distinct gap lies with the eight pillars of food supply chain resilience, business interest into supply chain criminality and academic research into the field. There are noteworthy gaps when the literature is analysed to that of the UK Government report. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study was its focus on business-only journals; a plethora of literature resides in the science field (e.g. testing) that has not made its way to business text. Practical implications Drawing inference between business research and the government report, clear identification and tangible research areas can be immediately exploited to align cross-functional thinking. Social implications The gap of consumer is not as yet addressed in this field, this research contributes originally to this gap and the need to address the same for societal benefit. Originality/value The paper concentrates on the metrics know to contribute to “food crime” and “food fraud” and deviating views of academic vs non-academic literature. In conclusion the paper identifies thematic areas for further research and presents a conceptual framework of food supply chain resilience.

Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies: A Sustainability Perspective

“…Whist many of these technologies and systems will be focused upon the large food manufacturing companies and secondary production providers (such as packaging, logistics, and warehousing), more elementary yet critical technologies and systems are required by the small food suppliers. The respondents from the small food companies that were surveyed identified that developing a sound knowledge of digital marketing and e-Word of Mouth (e-WoM) [29][30][31][32] is in great demand in order to ensure that smaller companies achieve greater visibility with a wider range of customers and more immediate feedback from clients in order to remain at the forefront of the product development process [59]. Allied to this issue is the enhancement of a company's use of Social Media systems to include correct website development with enhanced capabilities for order-making, payments, and special product requests.…”

“…The following section details the drivers, inputs, and outputs of the framework. Core supply chain capabilities: virtual enterprises, digital marketing, and virtual supply chain environments focusing upon Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and web technologies by partnering/outsourcing companies [59]. Increase the transparency of operations through to the supply chain in order to achieve greater food security and reliability [60].…”

“…Technology developments for automation, process control, flexible machine control, and enhancing safety aspects in food manufacturing, including new manufacturing technologies, the integration of technologies, and novel structures and techniques [63]. Core supply chain capabilities: virtual enterprises, digital marketing, and virtual supply chain environments focusing upon Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and web technologies by partnering/outsourcing companies [59]. Increase the transparency of operations through to the supply chain in order to achieve greater food security and reliability [60].…”

Food fraud and adulteration: a challenge for the foresight of Veterinary Services

“…Food fraud and adulteration is defined as a dishonest act or omission related to the sale or preparation of food which is intended to generate personal economic benefit or damage to a third party (12). The types of food adulteration described in animal products are defined in Table I.…”

Food Integrity and Food Technology Concerns in Canada: Evidence from Two Public Surveys

“…Conversely, if the factors that influence food integrity are similar to those that affect the concerns about applications of these technologies, then the measures that improve food integrity standards and consumer confidence in these standards can also influence the acceptance of these technologies. Researchers have looked at many aspects of food integrity: food safety and quality assurance [2,[19][20][21][22][23], supply chain management [16,[24][25][26], and so forth. Other studies have examined the issue of food integrity in the context of specialized foods (see [18]).…”