Trends in Food Science & Technology最新文献

{"title":"A comprehensive review of lysozyme applications in food packaging: Current trends, developments, and challenges","authors":"Mohammad Tarahi ,&nbsp;Pratap Kalita ,&nbsp;Himangshu Deka ,&nbsp;Nazila Oladzadabbasabadi ,&nbsp;Sajad Ghaderi ,&nbsp;Milad Tavassoli ,&nbsp;Swarup Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The rising demand for sustainable food preservation strategies has driven significant interest in lysozyme-based active packaging systems. Lysozyme is a naturally derived enzyme known for its potent lytic activity against Gram-positive bacteria, coupled with notable antiviral, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>This review provides an in-depth examination of lysozyme's structural features, sources, and biological roles in enhancing the functionality of biopolymer films and coatings. It highlights recent advances in lysozyme integration techniques, including: (1) co-formulation with bioactive agents such as essential oils to synergistically enhance antimicrobial performance; (2) incorporation into nanomaterials to improve stability, mechanical properties, and bioactivity; and (3) development of controlled-release systems to ensure sustained antimicrobial action during storage.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>The review evaluates the effects of lysozyme on the mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of packaging materials, as well as its applications across diverse food systems such as meat, fish, dairy, and fruit. Notably, lysozyme-loaded packaging films have achieved up to 5.7 log CFU/g reduction in <em>Listeria innocua</em> and prolonged shelf life by several days in various real-food scenarios. Commercially, hen egg white remains the primary source of lysozyme, with concentrations averaging 3.5 g/L, though microbial and plant-based alternatives are emerging. Despite these promising results, concerns regarding allergenicity, migration behavior, and regulatory compliance remain. By highlighting current challenges and emerging innovations, this review underscores lysozyme's significant potential as a natural bio-preservative for developing safe, eco-friendly, and functional food packaging systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105267"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144932532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advances on porous organic framework material-based SERS sensing for the analysis of hazards in food","authors":"Junyu Pan ,&nbsp;Danqing Zhu ,&nbsp;Yiyi Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaorong Liu ,&nbsp;Manyan Qiu ,&nbsp;Yujun Jiang ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Xianlong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Food safety has become a critical global issue as various food hazards contaminate the food supply chain, posing significant risks to public health. Accordingly, the development of rapid and reliable detection technologies is essential to ensure food quality and safeguard human health. Benefiting from its high sensitivity and non-destructive nature, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been widely recognized as an effective analytical technique for the analysis of food hazards. To further improve the detection performance, porous organic frameworks (POFs) have emerged as promising materials in SERS sensing for food safety due to their high specific surface area, tunable porosity, and excellent adsorption capacity.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest advancements in POF-based SERS sensing and their promising applications in the field of food safety. First of all, the fundamental principles of SERS (i.e., electromagnetic enhancement and chemical enhancement) and the synthesis strategies of POF-based materials for SERS sensing were summarized. Then, the key roles of POF-based materials in SERS sensing and their contributions to SERS signal enhancement and stability improvement were discussed. Finally, the promising applications of POF-based SERS platforms for the detection of food hazards were reviewed. Impressively, the remaining challenges and future research directions in this emerging field were critically discussed.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>POF-based SERS technology shows great promise for food safety detection, offering high sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use. Notably, its integration with portable devices and AI-assisted analysis enables real-time, on-site monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 105263"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncertain times require new thinking for agri-food science to ensure food security and nutrition for all","authors":"Evan D.G. Fraser ,&nbsp;Olanike Adeyemo ,&nbsp;Marie-Josèphe Amiot-Carlin ,&nbsp;Sayed Azam-Ali ,&nbsp;Patrick Caron ,&nbsp;Martin Cole ,&nbsp;Jennifer Clapp ,&nbsp;Mahmud Duwayri ,&nbsp;Ruben Echeverría ,&nbsp;Cecilia Elizondo ,&nbsp;Hilal Elver ,&nbsp;Bernard Lehman ,&nbsp;Elisabetta Recine ,&nbsp;Hettie Carina Schönfeldt ,&nbsp;Rachid Serraj ,&nbsp;Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann ,&nbsp;Stafan Tangermann ,&nbsp;Patrick Webb ,&nbsp;Iain Wright","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For over six decades, international policy has enabled agricultural products to move relatively easily across national borders. Currently, however, the landscape is changing. Deglobalization and the erosion of multilateral principles threaten international food supply chains while climate change is increasingly undermining production. In addition, today's food systems contribute to major environmental and human health problems. The global agri-food research agenda must adapt quickly to these realities. Here we propose that a new research agenda be established based on three principles to help respond to challenging times, promote human rights, sustain gains made in the past, and support greater positive impacts in the future. Principle one – a strengthened commitment to community engagement. Principle two – better supporting interdisciplinary systems thinking. Principles three – combatting misinformation by enabling enhanced public communication. We believe that today's crises present an opportunity to establish the foundations of a food system transformation that is more equitable, transparent, sustainable, and democratic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 105261"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanoencapsulated flavonoids for enhanced modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative add-on therapy","authors":"Thiécla Katiane Osvaldt Rosales ,&nbsp;Pedro Brivaldo Viana da Silva ,&nbsp;Paulo Alexandre Oliveira ,&nbsp;Marcus Vinicius Zanetti ,&nbsp;Hélder A. Santos ,&nbsp;João Paulo Fabi","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of gut microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases through the gut-brain axis. Flavonoids, a class of bioactive polyphenols, exhibit neuroprotective potential by modulating microbial composition and reducing neuroinflammation. However, their clinical application faces inherent challenges, including poor chemical stability, low bioavailability, and inefficient delivery to the distal colon.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This comprehensive review examines nano-encapsulated flavonoids as an advanced delivery strategy for optimizing gut microbiota modulation in preventive and adjunctive (add-on) therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic bibliometric analysis (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was performed to identify and evaluate studies focusing on three key areas: flavonoid-microbiota interactions, nanoencapsulation methodologies, and gut-brain axis mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on polysaccharide-based nanoformulations due to their ability to target the colon.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings</h3><div>Gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly contributes to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases through microbial metabolite-induced neuroinflammation. Flavonoids exhibit dual mechanisms of action by selectively promoting beneficial bacterial populations while simultaneously generating neuroactive metabolites through microbial biotransformation. Polysaccharide-based nanoencapsulation systems protect flavonoids from premature degradation, enabling controlled release in the colonic environment and significantly enhancing their biological efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Nanoencapsulation technology overcomes the significant biological limitations of flavonoid compounds, demonstrating a technological approach for microbiota-targeted neuroprotection. Developing colon-specific delivery systems maximizes therapeutic interactions with gut microbiota, creating new possibilities for preventive interventions and complementary treatment strategies in neurodegeneration. Future investigations need to include clinical studies, long-term safety assessments, and the development of personalized microbiota modulation protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105264"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144922762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deep learning-driven Vis/NIR spectroscopic devices for fruit quality assessment: A comprehensive review","authors":"Tao Jiang ,&nbsp;Jianjun Ding ,&nbsp;Yuhang Du ,&nbsp;Shaofeng Yuan ,&nbsp;Hang Yu ,&nbsp;Weirong Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The increasing availability of visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopic devices has accelerated their widespread application in fruit quality assessment. However, traditional machine learning methods face challenges in processing the complex and unstructured data generated by these devices, often encountering the generalization bottleneck in intricate application scenarios. Recently, deep learning (DL) has yielded remarkable advancements in the field of spectral analysis, enhancing the accuracy of fruit quality assessment and offering promise opportunities for continued innovation in the field.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>This paper presents a comprehensive overview of DL-based Vis/NIR spectroscopic devices for fruit quality assessment. It introduces the key components, advantages, disadvantages, and application scenarios of various Vis/NIR spectroscopic devices, along with relevant DL algorithms and architectures. Furthermore, the integration of DL with spectroscopic devices for fruit quality assessment is summarized, with an emphasis on the contributions and limitations of different DL architectures. Current challenges and future research directions are also discussed.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>DL-based Vis/NIR spectroscopic devices demonstrate strong potential for fruit quality assessment. To optimize cost-effectiveness and accuracy, device selection and DL architecture design should be tailored to specific application scenarios. Although some limitations persist, ongoing technological innovations are expected to drive the broader industrial and commercial adoption of DL-enabled Vis/NIR spectroscopic systems, ensuring improved fruit quality and authenticity in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105262"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Almond shell utilization in next-generation biocomposite packaging: A review","authors":"Ubaida Akbar ,&nbsp;Aayeena Altaf ,&nbsp;Sabir Ahmed Mondol ,&nbsp;Urba Shafiq Sidiqi ,&nbsp;Aamir Hussain Dar ,&nbsp;Kshirod Kumar Dash ,&nbsp;Iqra Bashir","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The profound use of polyethylene-derived packaging materials has generated significant environmental problems with its non-degradability. The necessity of sustainable substitutes has resulted in intensive research on bio-based packaging materials. Almond shells are the byproduct of almond production, either discarded or burned in the almond industry.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>Almond shells have potential food packaging applications that focus on waste reduction and sustainability. This review examines the prospect of almond shells, a cheap agro-industrial waste, as a desirable building block for next-generation biocomposite packaging material. Transitioning to almond shell-based food packaging can emphasize biodegradability, recyclability, and use of renewable resources.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>Almond shells are abundant in lignocellulosic content and improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and barrier behavior of biodegradable polymer matrices, hence providing a potential reinforcement of biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and starch composites. Although potentially valuable, processing inefficiency, cost, and regulatory issues deter wide-ranging applicability. Future breakthroughs in nanotechnology, intelligent packaging, and advanced manufacturing processes, including 3D printing for customized and functional biocomposite packaging, can further enhance almond shell-based biocomposites' functionality and commercial potential. There must be a strategic transition towards bio-based packaging, accompanied by policy encouragement and industry cooperation, to mitigate plastic pollution and create a more sustainable packaging sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105258"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive structural analysis of complex carbohydrates: exemplified by edible mushrooms polysaccharides","authors":"Xinru Liu,&nbsp;Ningyu Lei,&nbsp;Xingtao Zhou,&nbsp;Xiaoxiao Song,&nbsp;Weiwei He,&nbsp;Junyi Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Edible mushrooms are favored by people for their rich nutrition value and unique flavor. Specific structural polysaccharides in some edible mushrooms have great potential in immunomodulation, antitumor and hypoglycemia activities. The biological activity of polysaccharide from edible mushrooms (EMP) are closely related to their chemical structures. However, due to their wide variety, large molecular mass, small difference in monosaccharide composition and the diversity and disorder of sugar chain, the analysis of their fine structural characteristics and the clarification of the structure-activity relationship face great challenges. The study of cell wall structure rich in polysaccharides is also crucial for understanding the biology of edible mushrooms. The unclear spatial distribution patterns and uncertain synthesis pathways of cell wall polysaccharides would limit the targeted extraction and efficient preparation of bioactive polysaccharides.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>This paper thoroughly reviews a comprehensive research system of EMP. In addition to traditional chemical structure analysis, imaging techniques, <em>in situ</em> analysis, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and synthetic biology techniques have been flexibly combined to provide a solid theoretical foundation for the efficient extraction of polysaccharides. This will provide scientific reference for the application of EMP in the field of food and biomedicine.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>Emerging technologies such as <em>in situ</em> analysis, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and synthetic biology could overcome the limitations of traditional identification methods in resolving complex polysaccharide structures. The combination of <em>in situ</em> analysis and ssNMR enable multidimensional analysis (composition, spatial distribution and structural characterization) of EMP cell wall. Synthetic biology drives polysaccharide assembly and elucidates polysaccharide structure-function regulatory mechanisms. They support the precise extraction of polysaccharides from edible mushrooms with enhanced bioactivity, with broad prospects in food development and healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105260"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145003701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consumer behaviour toward \"smart\" food labels: A systematic literature review using the Technology Acceptance Model","authors":"Marta Bonioli,&nbsp;Claudia Bazzani","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Technological innovations such as smart labels can enhance food safety, traceability, and sustainability. However, consumers remain reluctant to adopt this technology. This study investigates consumer behaviour toward smart labels through a systematic literature review, applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess factors influencing adoption. A review of 36 articles highlights that the perceived usefulness of smart labels stems from their ability to provide real-time product traceability, reduce food waste, and foster direct communication between consumers and producers. However, significant barriers persist despite these advantages, including consumer unfamiliarity, lack of trust, and usability concerns. External factors, such as perceived regulatory effectiveness, technical challenges, and cost implications, also impact consumer acceptance. Sociodemographic and attitudinal factors further shape attitudes toward smart labels. The findings suggest that to improve adoption, stakeholders must enhance consumer education, simplify user interfaces, and ensure regulatory alignment to build trust. Moreover, integrating digital food labelling with traditional packaging may enhance accessibility and overcome resistance. This study contributes to the growing body of research on smart labels by providing insights into consumer perception and preference and proposing strategies to increase adoption. Policymakers and industry stakeholders can leverage these insights to refine labelling strategies, promoting informed purchasing decisions and sustainable consumption. Future research should explore the role of cultural and societal norms in smart label adoption and the potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI in enhancing label credibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 105256"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative modelling of fractionation, functionality, and environmental-economic trade-offs to support the transition to sustainable plant based ingredients","authors":"Syahmeer How ,&nbsp;Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau ,&nbsp;Deepa Agarwal ,&nbsp;William Kaye-Blake ,&nbsp;Roman Buckow ,&nbsp;Mike Weeks","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Plant-based ingredients (PBI) have emerged as promising alternatives to animal-based ingredients in response to the rising global demand for sustainable food sources. However, current crop production systems face challenges related to resource inefficiency, by-product underutilisation, and significant environmental impact. Addressing these issues requires not only advances in processing but also robust modelling frameworks able to support decision-making across technical, economic, environmental, and functional dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Scope and approach</h3><div>This review examines recent advances in modelling approaches used to assess and optimise PBI production via dry, wet, hybrid, and oilseed fractionation pathways. It highlights the role of techno-economic assessment (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), exergy analysis, and computational modelling in evaluating process sustainability and feasibility. Emphasis is placed on process modelling for predicting mass and energy balances in unit operations, and on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid models for predicting ingredient functionality. The review also discusses emerging structured frameworks for integrated modelling, such as those linking TEA and LCA, with considerations of how they can be expanded to incorporate supply chain dynamics, product functionality, and socio-cultural constraints relevant to food systems.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings and conclusions</h3><div>The review advocates for the development of integrated modelling frameworks that extend beyond TEA–LCA to include functionality, supply chain, and context-specific factors. This multidisciplinary approach offers a pathway for integrating plant-based ingredients (PBI) into efficient, low-waste, and economically viable food production systems aligned with global sustainability goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"164 ","pages":"Article 105257"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the impact of improved seeds and crop protection products on food affordability, accessibility, and safety: A Canadian perspective","authors":"Sylvain Charlebois ,&nbsp;Korris Lee ,&nbsp;Stuart J. Smyth ,&nbsp;Myra Siddiqi ,&nbsp;Janele Vezeau","doi":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Food insecurity in Canada has intensified over the past decade, with rates reaching 22.9 % in 2022. This study evaluates the role of agricultural biotechnology, specifically genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited crops and crop protection technologies, in addressing the four core pillars of food security—availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability—within Canada's agri-food system.</div></div><div><h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3><div>The article synthesizes national datasets, peer-reviewed literature, and economic modeling to evaluate yield gains, input cost savings, regulatory impacts, and consumer perceptions. Special attention is given to systemic barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, public skepticism, and inadequate farm-level data infrastructure.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Biotechnological innovations, including herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant crops, have contributed to more stable yields and lower production costs, indirectly affecting food affordability. However, their direct impact on retail prices is limited due to downstream costs. Key constraints include underinvestment in public R&amp;D, regulatory ambiguity, and insufficient trait-specific data collection. Recent reforms have improved approval timelines for gene-edited crops, but public confidence hinges on clear policies and transparency.</div></div><div><h3>Practical implications</h3><div>To integrate biotechnology into Canada's food security strategy, Canada must enhance data collection, improve regulatory clarity, and invest more consistently in agri-food R&amp;D. These steps are necessary to align scientific advances with measurable improvements in food access and sustainability. Consumer acceptance is contingent upon perceived safety and sustainability benefits, highlighting the need for effective communication and governance.</div></div><div><h3>Originality/value</h3><div>This article offers one of the first integrated evaluations of agri-biotech impacts on all four pillars of food security in Canada. It bridges technical assessments with socioeconomic implications, offering policy recommendations to better align innovation with measurable improvements in food system resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":441,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Food Science & Technology","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 105253"},"PeriodicalIF":15.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}