Analyzing Evolution and Key Themes in Food Policy: A Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) Approach

Abstract

This study explores food safety law research using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model, analyzing 2540 papers from the Web of Science (1996–2024). Nine key themes were identified: Public Health and Food Safety, Health Management and Supply Chain, Implementation Strategies and Consumer Rights, Behavior and Policy Regulation, Welfare and Impact Assessment, Purchasing Patterns and Product Performance, Food Industry Regulations and Control Measures, Sectoral Support and Risk Assessment, and Agricultural Systems and Environmental Concerns. The latter theme received the most attention, highlighting a focus on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The study notes a decline in research on Health Management and Supply Chain and Implementation Strategies and Consumer Rights, possibly due to their maturation or the rising importance of environmental issues. Secondary analysis of Agricultural Systems and Environmental Concerns revealed an interdisciplinary nexus of chemistry, environment, and health. Geographical analysis showed diverse national priorities: Australia and Japan emphasized regulatory and consumer themes, while France and India prioritized agricultural sustainability. High entropy values in China and the U.S. indicated broad research themes, while lower entropy in Azerbaijan and Bulgaria reflected concentrated focus. The findings offer actionable recommendations tailored to stakeholders. Policymakers should prioritize adaptive regulations that address emerging health threats and integrate real-time data systems. Industry professionals are encouraged to adopt advanced technologies, such as blockchain and AI, to enhance food safety and traceability. Researchers are advised to explore intersections between food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability to inform evidence-based policy reforms. These steps aim to address global challenges, promote public health, and ensure resilient food systems.