Food supply chain transparency plays a major role in keeping everything running smoothly. Brand representatives want confirmation that their agricultural partners can fill upcoming orders. If things go wrong and people get sick from what they eat, better visibility is vital in addressing and curbing such issues.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical part of better food supply chain awareness among all applicable parties. AI can help predict yields, enabling farmers to maintain transparency and set accurate expectations for parties further down the supply chain. This is particularly important in the increasingly popular farm-to-table movement, which shortens how far produce travels.
Tracing Foodborne Illness
CDC Statistics indicate foodborne illnesses sicken one in six people every year in the United States. FSMA contains rules and actions for food processing facilities to prevent such instances, but outbreaks still happen. AI could be yet another useful mitigation measure.
Reducing Food Waste
Waste is a tremendous problem for the food supply chain. In the United States, data shows that upwards of 40% of packaged consumables get discarded once they reach the use-by date. That happens whether or not the products are actually unsafe to eat.