Transforming Agrifood Supply Chains with Digital Technologies: a Systematic Review of Safety and Quality Risk Management

Abstract

The increasing complexity and globalization of agrifood supply chains (AFSCs) issue significant challenges to ensuring food safety and quality. These risks, ranging from microbial contamination and chemical hazards to traceability failures and food fraud, need innovative and scalable risk management strategies. This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from 164 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2023, investigating the role of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in managing food safety and quality risks across the AFSC. Technologies analyzed include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Blockchain (BC), Internet of Things (IoT), big data (BD), digital twins (DT), robotics, and more. Findings reveal that I4.0 technologies enhance real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, traceability, and process automation, leading to reduced contamination risks, operational efficiency, and improved stakeholder trust. AI and big data support early hazard detection and decision-making and blockchain and IoT improve traceability and transparency, while digital twins simulate disruptions and optimize safety–critical operations. Despite the benefits demonstrated, key barriers exist, including high implementation costs, data interoperability issues, and limited digital literacy among small and medium-sized enterprises. The review highlights the need for integrated, sector-specific applications, regulatory adaptation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome these obstacles. Future research should focus on scalable, secure, and sustainable solutions, particularly those that empower stakeholders and enhance supply chain resilience. This study provides a comprehensive overview of digital transformation trends in food safety, offering actionable insights for industry practitioners, researchers, and policymakers aiming to foster safer and more transparent agrifood systems.