The Signs of Digitalization on Food Safety Issues: A Literature Review Focusing on Traceability

Abstract

This study aims to examine the signs of digitalization’s/Industry 4.0’s impact on food safety in form of a literature review. It is intended to awake the interest of both the academic sphere and internal (e.g., managers) and external (e.g., costumers, state) stakeholders of food producers and also processing companies. The main research questions focus on the methodology of tracing and tracking, which both have significant importance in the area of quality assurance especially in the food industry. From an economic point of view, we are now in the age of Industry 4.0, which has a major impact on the whole economy. Industry 4.0 solutions significantly are realized in the automation of data transfer. Excellent food safety conditions can be supported by real-time transmission, analysis, and interpretation of data characterizing products and processes. This study is an introductory part of the literature review of my doctoral research. The research goals include the exploration of Industry 4.0 and practices given by digitalization within different sectors of the food industry. Furthermore, establishing relationships between the measurability of food safety criteria and the toolbox of digitization and regulatory requirements are expected to be the results of the research process. The current study aims to introduce and interpret the basics of the connection between food safety and the toolbox of Industry 4.0. In general, the research may contribute both to the scientific area and the arena of practice.