Society has fully entered the digital era, and technological innovation is changing the landscape of all industries and businesses. One of the most important aspects is the increased safety and efficiency, which means all processes yield better results. Food processing, handling, and manufacturing are particularly impacted by technological changes, machinery, and processing methods. These niches have always been among the first to start using technology, keeping in line with all the new developments. With 2024 approaching rapidly, it’s time to have a look at where the sector is headed in the new year and beyond.
Perfect safety
It’s crucial to ensure that food is perfectly safe before consumption. Contamination can pass undetected quite quickly, which is why technology is needed to remedy the situation. A NIR spectrometer is one of the best tools for the food industry, and all that’s required is a relatively small sample. It can accurately tell the sample’s exact protein, fat and nutritional content with just one measure. The best news is that all this takes less than one minute, meaning that a lot of time and resources won’t be wasted on determining the safety of a product.
Spectrometers can also be used to identify any possible contaminants that can be hazardous to human health and cause either acute or chronic disease. If there are any traces of allergens in the product, even if it doesn’t use those ingredients itself, a spectrometer can detect them, helping provide better labeling and ensuring that nobody’s health is affected.
Sustainability
Sustainable processes are increasingly important for all businesses all over the world. An ever-growing number of enterprises are beginning to adopt eco-friendly, ethical practices in a bid to reduce their carbon footprints and minimize their impact. Food is one of the industries that causes considerable amounts of waste and pollution through agricultural practices. Yet, it’s naturally impossible to eliminate it because food is essential.
At the moment, research shows that meat and dairy consumption decreases for sustainability goals to be achieved. That means livestock numbers need to go lower. That doesn’t necessarily mean that everybody should switch to a vegan diet overnight, a scenario that is entirely implausible and unrealistic, especially when considering geographic differences and cultural differences in diets. However, it does mean that some fundamental changes need to be made in how factories operate.
Packaging
Packaging is another area that is set to benefit from changes in the upcoming years. Sustainability concerns have also become more apparent here, and many businesses are ready to invest in the areas. It’s not just about making fully recyclable or biodegradable containers but also about ensuring reusability. For instance, a company created a pizza box that can be reused, creating a zero-waste alternative to the traditional variant. Cardboard waste resulting from these boxes is a considerable issue because the grease and stains make the material unable to be upcycled and repurposed, so it ends up in the landfill instead. It is also simple to carry and clean. It keeps the contents hot and fresh longer as well, so it is also much more efficient.
If the container becomes damaged beyond repair or approaches the end of its lifetime, it can be recycled completely, given that it is made from 100% polypropylene. There are other alternatives that can innovate packaging. Reusing organic waste is one of the most popular choices, mainly when made from coffee husks, oyster shells and paper. Creating these materials doesn’t use much energy, and recognizing these possibilities will usher in even more innovation.
Ultra-processed foods
As members of the general public become more mindful of their diets, the issue of ultra-processed foods becomes relevant as well. There’s no denying its accessibility and deliciousness. Still, the high sugar, salt and fat content can harm health and increase the incidence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Several countries have begun discussing the potential for regulations in this area that would guarantee these foods don’t get promoted to consumers.
The retailers that don’t comply with the regulations can face considerable penalties. A classification system designed explicitly for ultra-processed foods is also in the making, so the strategies will likely be enforced quite soon. This also means that healthier, less processed, calorie-heavy snacks will come to the shelves to supply consumer demand.
Traceability
Alongside spectrometry, traceability is also vital for food safety, and these processes will undoubtedly take center stage in the upcoming years. More vets and food inspectors are needed in the industry to help the processes unfold adequately and minimize risks. Fraud and foods that have been tampered with or contaminated can and do lead to disease outbreaks that can even result in loss of life.
Factories, processing plants and individual businesses understand that this is a detrimental thing for a multitude of reasons, so it’s better to ensure good procedures from the very beginning. Traceability tech is one of the most important developments in this sense. The devices use blockchain technology to deliver fully secure and verifiable data. Recently, Australia has announced that it has set January 2025 as the deadline for the mandatory e-tagging of all the sheep and goats in the country.
Digital transformation isn’t simple and requires significant investments. While many companies and manufacturers are looking to go digital in order to remain compliant, the process must be gradual to ensure everything works accordingly.
Animal welfare
With sustainability has also arrived increased care and attention towards the issue of animal welfare, and how the industry can ensure optimal conditions. There’s an undeniable link between protecting the environment, animals and human health. However, the actual decision-making is a complex process that needs to be mindful of several variables.
Data must be gathered and analyzed to ensure habits are employed everywhere, from the farms to transport. Animals must also get the necessary nutrition, with both under and overfeeding being hazardous.
Meeting all these demands isn’t simple, and there are many areas where it will take considerable effort to ensure that every food producer keeps to the standards. Continuous effort is necessary and the only way forward.
