EMERGING TRENDS IN FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT (2025)

Abstract

Background Foodborne diseases remain a critical global public health concern, responsible for approximately 600 million illnesses and 420 000 deaths annually. Between 2020 and 2025, food safety and quality management have been reshaped by regulatory reforms, technological innovation, and One Health considerations. These changes reflect a shift from reactive control measures toward proactive, data-driven approaches that emphasize prevention, transparency, and resilience. Objective This review aims to synthesize recent developments in food safety and quality (FSQ) management from 2019 to 2025, examining regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, and global health priorities to inform clinical practice, policy, and future research directions. Main Discussion Points Five converging themes emerge from the literature. First, regulatory frameworks—including Codex CXC 1 (2020 revision), ISO 22000:2018, GFSI Benchmarking Requirements v2024, FSSC 22000 v6, and the FDA’s FSMA 204 rule—are increasingly aligned around food safety culture, allergen control, environmental monitoring, and traceability. Second, genomics-driven surveillance, particularly whole-genome sequencing and quasi-metagenomics, has enhanced outbreak detection and source attribution. Third, digital innovations such as IoT-enabled cold chain monitoring, blockchain, and digital twins are strengthening transparency and recall efficiency. Fourth, advances in smart packaging and biosensor technologies are enabling real-time monitoring of food quality and spoilage. Finally, One Health priorities—including antimicrobial resistance mitigation, climate change resilience, and food fraud prevention—are expanding the scope of FSQ systems beyond traditional hazard control. Conclusion Recent progress highlights a decisive move toward integrated, preventive, and technology-enabled FSQ systems. While the evidence underscores significant benefits, methodological variability, limited large-scale validation, and resource constraints remain barriers to global implementation. Future research should focus on standardization, multicenter evaluations, and strategies to enhance adoption in resource-limited settings to ensure equitable improvements in food safety and public health.