GET THE APP

Global Food Safety: Challenges, Tech, Trust, Sustainability
International Journal of Public Health and Safety

International Journal of Public Health and Safety

ISSN: 2736-6189

Open Access

Perspective - (2025) Volume 10, Issue 6

Global Food Safety: Challenges, Tech, Trust, Sustainability

Fadia Karimi*
*Correspondence: Fadia Karimi, Department of Public Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Iran, Email:
1Department of Public Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Iran

Received: 01-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. IJPHS-25-175392; Editor assigned: 03-Nov-2025, Pre QC No. P-175392; Reviewed: 17-Nov-2025, QC No. Q-175392; Revised: 24-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. R-175392; Published: 01-Dec-2025 , DOI: 10.37421/2157-7587.2025.10.480
Citation: Karimi, Fadia. ”Global Food Safety: Challenges, Tech, Trust, Sustainability.” Int J Pub Health Safe 10 (2025):480.
Copyright: © 2025 Karimi F. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Introduction

The global food system grapples with significant food safety challenges, including the emergence of new contaminants, the escalating problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the inherent complexities within global food supply chains. Effectively addressing these issues demands robust international collaboration and the deployment of advanced detection technologies to protect public health in an increasingly interconnected world [1].

Innovations in technology are continuously advancing, offering promising avenues for improving food safety and enhancing quality control. Modern solutions like biosensors, nanotechnology, and sophisticated imaging techniques are vital in this endeavor. These emerging technologies provide rapid, highly accurate detection capabilities for contaminants and enable more comprehensive traceability across the entire food supply chain [2].

Consumer perceptions of food safety risks play a pivotal role in shaping their purchasing and consumption behaviors. Factors such as media influence, public trust, and individual experiences directly impact consumer confidence in food products. Transparent communication from regulatory authorities and the food industry is absolutely critical for maintaining and rebuilding this trust [3].

Blockchain technology offers a transformative approach to bolstering transparency and traceability within complex food supply chains. By creating an immutable ledger of a food productâ??s journey from source to consumer, blockchain can significantly mitigate risks like food fraud, improve the efficiency of product recalls, and foster greater trust among all stakeholders involved [4].

Ensuring food authenticity and combating food fraud requires a diverse array of advanced analytical techniques. Methods such as spectroscopic, chromatographic, and molecular analyses are indispensable tools for verifying food integrity. These advanced analytical approaches are crucial for safeguarding consumers from economically motivated adulteration and preserving the industry's reputation [5].

Microbiological hazards remain a persistent concern in food processing environments, with prevalent pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli posing risks. Effective control strategies, including rigorous Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, innovative decontamination methods, and enhanced hygienic practices, are essential. Proactive measures are paramount to prevent contamination and guarantee the microbial safety of food products [6].

The intricate landscape of global food safety regulations significantly influences international food trade. Disparate national standards, varying import requirements, and complex certification processes can either act as trade barriers or create new opportunities. Harmonization and mutual recognition agreements between nations are increasingly important to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of food products worldwide [7].

Evaluating the effectiveness of food safety education programs for consumers is vital for public health. Such programs aim to improve knowledge, attitudes, and safe food handling behaviors. Key success factors include interactive learning modules and tailored messaging, which are instrumental in reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses at the household level [8].

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the food chain presents a grave global public health threat. Understanding the pathways of AMR dissemination, from agricultural antibiotic use to foodborne pathogens, is crucial. This necessitates integrated "One Health" approaches, combining surveillance and mitigation strategies across human, animal, and environmental health sectors [9].

Finally, food safety and food sustainability are inextricably linked; one cannot truly be achieved without the other. Sustainable practices, such as minimizing pesticide use and implementing responsible waste management, positively influence food safety outcomes. Conversely, robust safety standards are fundamental for fostering consumer trust in sustainable food systems, creating a virtuous cycle for a healthier planet and populace [10].

Description

The modern global food system faces immense food safety challenges, characterized by emerging contaminants, the complex issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the inherent difficulties of managing expansive international food supply chains. Effectively addressing these threats requires a concerted effort toward international cooperation and the development and deployment of advanced detection technologies. These measures are crucial for safeguarding public health in an increasingly interconnected global food landscape and ensuring the integrity of what we consume daily [1].

Here's the thing: cutting-edge technological advancements are revolutionizing food safety and quality control. Biosensors, nanotechnology, and advanced imaging techniques offer rapid and accurate contaminant detection, significantly improving traceability throughout the entire food supply chain [2]. Beyond just detection, blockchain technology dramatically enhances transparency and traceability by providing an immutable, verifiable ledger of food product journeys. This helps mitigate risks like food fraud and streamline recall processes, fostering greater trust among consumers and all stakeholders involved in the food industry [4].

Furthermore, sophisticated analytical techniques are indispensable tools for authenticating food products and rigorously combating food fraud. Methods including spectroscopic, chromatographic, and various molecular analyses allow for meticulous verification of food composition. These advanced analytical approaches are critical for safeguarding consumers from economically motivated adulteration and preserving the integrity and reputation within the broader food industry [5].

Consumer perceptions of food safety risks are a powerful force, profoundly influencing purchasing and consumption patterns. This really means factors like media coverage, social trust, and individual past experiences heavily sway consumer confidence in food products. Transparent and consistent communication from regulatory authorities and the food industry is therefore absolutely vital to build and maintain this crucial trust [3]. Complementing these efforts, effective food safety education programs aimed specifically at consumers are critical, as they demonstrably improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to safe food handling. Interactive learning methodologies and tailored messaging are identified as key success factors for reducing foodborne illnesses at the household level, making an immediate impact on public health [8].

Simultaneously, focusing on prevalent microbiological hazards in food processing environments, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli, is a non-negotiable priority. Effective control strategies like HACCP, novel decontamination techniques, and improved hygienic practices are paramount to actively prevent contamination and ensure the microbial safety of food products [6]. The complex web of global food safety regulations also has far-reaching implications for international food trade. Differing national standards, diverse import requirements, and various certification processes can either seriously impede or actively facilitate trade, highlighting the urgent need for international harmonization and mutual recognition agreements to ensure safe and efficient global food movement [7]. Another pressing concern that demands immediate attention is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the food chain, which is globally recognized as a significant public health threat. Understanding its intricate dissemination pathways, from agricultural antibiotic use to foodborne pathogens, is paramount, necessitating integrated "One Health" approaches for effective surveillance and mitigation across all sectors [9]. What this really means is food safety and food sustainability are deeply and inextricably intertwined. Sustainable practices, such as minimizing pesticide use, adopting organic farming, and implementing responsible waste management, directly impact food safety positively by reducing risks. Conversely, strong safety standards are fundamental for fostering consumer trust in sustainable food systems, creating a virtuous cycle for a healthier planet and a more secure populace [10].

Conclusion

Food safety is a critical global challenge, encompassing emerging contaminants, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the complexities of international supply chains. Addressing these issues requires both international collaboration and advanced detection technologies. New technologies, including biosensors and nanotechnology, are crucial for rapid contaminant detection and improved traceability. Consumer perceptions of safety, influenced by media and trust, also significantly shape purchasing behavior, demanding transparent communication from industry and authorities. Blockchain technology can enhance supply chain transparency and prevent fraud, while various analytical techniques are vital for food authentication. Proactive control strategies, like HACCP, are essential to manage microbiological hazards in food processing environments. Differing global regulations impact international food trade, underscoring the need for harmonization. Educating consumers on safe food handling practices is also key to reducing foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the spread of AMR through the food chain is a serious public health threat that requires a 'One Health' approach. Ultimately, food safety is deeply intertwined with food sustainability; responsible practices benefit both, building consumer confidence in a safe and sustainable food system.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

References

  • Hongbin M, Ding L, Xiang M. "Food safety challenges in the 21st century: A global perspective.".J Food Sci 85 (2020):1-10.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Xin H, Bo L, Mingming Z. "Emerging technologies for food safety and quality control: A review.".Food Chem 405 (2023):134954.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Mei L, Xiaojun W, Hailong C. "Consumer perception and behavior regarding food safety: A systematic review.".Food Control 132 (2022):108537.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Sharad SK, Angappa G, Ramesh S. "Blockchain technology in food supply chain management: A comprehensive review.".Technol Forecast Soc Change 151 (2020):112850.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Kwang WC, Swee W, Yan BL. "Food authentication using analytical techniques: A review.".Food Res Int 154 (2022):111003.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Bo L, Xin H, Mingming Z. "Microbiological hazards and their control in food processing: A review.".Food Chem 432 (2024):137267.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Surbhi S, Ravneet G, Jaspreet K. "Global food safety regulations and their impact on international trade: A review.".Trends Food Sci Technol 107 (2021):44-53.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Sara MP, Carla V, Fernando B. "Effectiveness of food safety education interventions for consumers: A systematic review.".Food Control 112 (2020):107080.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Shalini S, Mona K, Pankaj S. "Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain: A global public health concern.".J Food Sci Technol 58 (2021):1-13.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  • Hong C, Shan W, Xiaoming L. "The nexus between food safety and food sustainability: A review.".Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 22 (2023):228-245.
  • Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    arrow_upward arrow_upward