Advancing the Safety and Authenticity of Mediterranean Food Supply Chains: Digital and Innovative Solutions

Dear Colleagues,

Food supply chains have been exposed to several constraints and challenges over the last decades, encompassing the impact of climate change, the adaption to a global market, food safety and quality certificates, and the need to develop more sustainable as well as eco-friendly food production and distribution systems. The Mediterranean region represents a unique geographical and social–cultural environment of food production, but it is also defined by particularities that make it more sensitive to the above challenges. The fragmentation of Mediterranean food supply chains, the atomization or reduced size of food companies, the limited access to technologies for controlling food safety and quality aspects, among others, hamper their integration into more global markets and magnify the impact of climate change. "Authenticity is a fundamental characteristic of Mediterranean foods, encompassing the accurate representation of a food product in terms of its composition, origin, and labeling. However, this authenticity can be influenced by the dynamics of global markets and evolving consumer preferences". Traceability systems serve as indispensable tools in ensuring food safety and authenticity. By providing transparent access to information across the entire supply chain, from farm to table, these systems facilitate not only the early detection but also the control of any potential food integrity issues. This transparency not only safeguards consumers but also enhances their trust in the food supply chain, ultimately bolstering the reputation and credibility of the food industry as a whole, which is a vital factor in Mediterranean food production systems. The present Special Issue will focus on the development and application of innovative technologies for assuring the food safety and authenticity of Mediterranean food products, including predictive tools, not-targeted analytical methods, traceability systems, data-driven technologies, cloud computing, logistic analysis, digital solutions, and proofs of concept for the integration of the mentioned technologies, in different food contexts.

Dr. Fernando Pérez-Rodriguez
Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Panagiotis Koutsoumanis
Guest Editors

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