Smart technology for public health: reshaping the future of food safety

Abstract

The food consumed globally, a fundamental element of life, is under threat from the rising complexities of modern supply chains and global distribution networks. As these networks expand, so do the risks of contamination, quality degradation, and safety breaches, jeopardizing billions of lives and eroding trust in the global food supply. This paper explores how smart technologies—blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins—are reshaping food safety through transparency, real-time monitoring, and predictive risk management. Key case studies illustrate their implementation and impact, including blockchain's role in rapid traceability, AI's predictive risk assessment capabilities, IoT's support for continuous monitoring, and digital twins' predictive simulations to prevent hazards. These tools collectively promote sustainability, operational efficiency, and consumer trust. Yet, widespread adoption remains challenged by technical, financial, and regulatory barriers. This review also tackles the socio-economic implications of smart technologies in food safety, highlighting disparities in technology access, particularly in developing regions. A systematic literature search using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science were conducted to synthesize peer-reviewed studies, industry reports, and case examples over the last decade. By integrating technical advances with socio-economic insights, this work offers a holistic perspective on the smart tech transformation in food safety. Accordingly, it presents a call to action for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to build a resilient, inclusive, and technology-enabled global food safety system—one that ensures every meal is safe, high-quality, and reflective of the power of innovation and cooperation.