Benefit-risk analysis of prospective scenarios implementing new-generation food safety management technologies: Qualitative, stakeholder-driven study of the infant food chain

Abstract

This paper examines the potential impact of introducing new hazard detection, control, and mitigation tools in the infant food chain by conducting a qualitative and stakeholder-driven benefit-risk analysis of prospective scenarios. The scenarios envision the possible implementations of the tools and approaches developed in the ‘Safe Food For Infants’ (SAFFI) Europe-China project, which include detection technologies, hazard control and mitigation strategies, as well as models for hazard identification and risk ranking. The objective is to evaluate how the implementation of these tools could affect food safety management, particularly in light of diverse consumer behaviors, evolving technologies, and regulatory contexts. Through a scenario-building approach, the paper constructs potential futures for the infant food chain, followed by a detailed benefit-risk analysis. The analysis incorporates a variety of stakeholder perspectives and criteria, including safety, economic impact, and technological advancements. The findings provide valuable insights into how different strategies for hazard control and mitigation may improve food safety, while also considering the trade-offs associated with these strategies. The paper ultimately proposes a global ranking of scenarios based on a collective attitude score, offering a comprehensive evaluation of prospective futures for infant food safety.