Building Trust With Food Traceability Systems

Our food system is changing rapidly. More and more new products are emerging, such as plant-based meat substitutes, cultured meat and proteins from microalgae. These developments offer opportunities to tackle global challenges, such as food security and sustainability. But to be able to check whether this food is produced safely, sustainably and fairly, we need good traceability systems, say researchers Lan van Wassenaer and Juliette Fraser of Wageningen University & Research.

Food traceability means following the journey of food products from origin to consumer. This means recording every step in the supply chain. This is essential to improve the safety, transparency and sustainability of food. Traceability can quickly identify sources of contamination in the event of outbreaks, support ethical and sustainable purchasing decisions and prevent fraud. For example, traceability systems can detect ingredient substitutions or measure the environmental impact of supply chains, giving consumers confidence in the origin and quality of their food.

How does a tracking system work?
Modern traceability systems combine traditional and advanced methods. Analytical techniques, such as laboratory testing, provide detailed chemical and microbiological data, but are often expensive and time-consuming. Automation via barcodes, sensors and QR codes enables real-time monitoring of the location and condition of products. Blockchain technology adds an extra layer of transparency by capturing tamper-proof data from the production process. While each method has its advantages, cost, scalability and infrastructure remain key challenges.

Challenges in novel foods
Emerging food innovations present unique challenges that existing traceability systems are not always well-equipped to address. The complex production processes of plant-based and cultured foods require tailored systems that can track specific ingredients and methods. In addition, regulatory and privacy concerns complicate the adoption of new traceability technologies. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaboration across sectors, the development of standardized protocols, and investment in flexible, cost-efficient systems.

Designing smarter systems
Designing effective traceability systems requires weighing technologies against criteria such as accuracy, reliability, cost, ease of use and standardisation. It is important to tailor methods to specific goals, such as detecting allergens or verifying ethical sourcing. Strong governance frameworks that address regulatory requirements and data privacy concerns are essential to create systems that are not only technically efficient but also widely accessible.

Technology and social factors in balance
While technical innovations are important, the success of food traceability systems also depends on human and organizational factors. High costs, complex procedures and the need for specialist knowledge can hamper implementation, especially for smaller companies. Furthermore, harmonizing standards between regions ensures fairness and facilitates international trade. By combining technical solutions with practical social considerations, traceability systems can become more inclusive and effective.

Benefits for consumers and policy makers
For consumers, traceability systems provide greater transparency, enabling them to make more informed choices about the safety, authenticity and sustainability of their food. Faster responses to contamination issues reduce health risks, while detailed information on provenance aligns with ethical and environmentally conscious values.

By empowering policymakers to strengthen food safety regulations, combat fraud and promote sustainability, traceability systems can monitor emissions in supply chains and align with global climate goals, making them key to building resilient food systems.

The role of research
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is at the forefront of exploring solutions, such as through the KB37 project and the recently launched FutureFoodS partnership. These projects focus on evaluating traceability methods, fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in the transition of food systems. By combining expertise from food safety, economics and biobased research, WUR aims to create frameworks that contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient food systems.

“Traceability is more than a technical requirement; it is a foundation for trust in our food system,” say van Wassenaer and Fraser. “WUR continues to invest in innovations and collaborations to increase the transparency, sustainability and reliability of our food. For consumers, policymakers and companies, this offers opportunities to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable food system.”