Search Results (156)

Animal protein production represents a complex system of lives transformed into nutrition, with profound ethical and environmental implications. This study provides a quantitative analysis of animal lives required to produce human-consumable protein across major food production systems. Categorizing animal lives based on cognitive complexity and accounting for all lives involved in production, including direct harvests, reproductive animals, and feed species, reveals dramatic variations in protein efficiency. The analysis considers two categories of animal life: complex-cognitive lives (e.g., mammals, birds, cephalopods) and pain-capable lives (e.g., fish, crustaceans). Calculating protein yield per life demonstrates efficiency differences spanning more than five orders of magnitude, from 2 g per complex-cognitive life for baby octopus to 390,000 g per life for bovine dairy systems. Key findings expose disparities between terrestrial and marine protein production. Terrestrial systems involving mammals and birds show higher protein yields and exclusively involve complex-cognitive lives, while marine systems rely predominantly on pain-capable lives across complex food chains. Dairy production emerges as the most efficient system. Aquaculture systems reveal complex dynamics, with farmed carnivorous fish requiring hundreds of feed fish lives to produce protein, compared to omnivorous species that demonstrate improved efficiency. Beyond quantitative analysis, this research provides a framework for understanding the ethical and ecological dimensions of protein production, offering insights for potential systemic innovations. Full article

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) technology are driving the transformation of the meat industry from mechanization and automation to intelligence and digitization. This paper provides a systematic review of key technological innovations in this field, including physical technologies (such as smart cutting precision improved to the millimeter level, pulse electric field sterilization efficiency exceeding 90%, ultrasonic-assisted marinating time reduced by 12 h, and ultra-high-pressure processing extending shelf life) and digital technologies (IoT real-time monitoring, blockchain-enhanced traceability transparency, and AI-optimized production decision-making). Additionally, it explores the potential of alternative meat production technologies (cell-cultured meat and 3D bioprinting) to disrupt traditional models. In application scenarios such as central kitchen efficiency improvements (e.g., food companies leveraging the “S2B2C” model to apply AI agents, supply chain management, and intelligent control systems, resulting in a 26.98% increase in overall profits), end-to-end temperature control in cold chain logistics (e.g., using multi-array sensors for real-time monitoring of meat spoilage), intelligent freshness recognition of products (based on deep learning or sensors), and personalized customization (e.g., 3D-printed customized nutritional meat products), these technologies have significantly improved production efficiency, product quality, and safety. However, large-scale application still faces key challenges, including high costs (such as the high investment in cell-cultured meat bioreactors), lack of standardization (such as the absence of unified standards for non-thermal technology parameters), and consumer acceptance (surveys indicate that approximately 41% of consumers are concerned about contracting illnesses from consuming cultured meat, and only 25% are willing to try it). These challenges constrain the economic viability and market promotion of the aforementioned technologies. Future efforts should focus on collaborative innovation to establish a truly intelligent and sustainable meat production system. Full article

The rapid growth of world population and increase in living standards have led to an increase in the demand for high-quality, safe food. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that by 2050 the demand for food will increase by 60%, and production of animal protein will increase by 1.7% a year, with meat production to increase by nearly 70%, dairy products by 55%, and aquaculture by as much as 90%. Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem for the accessibility of safe food which does not pose a threat to the life and health of consumers. Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia are responsible for thousands of food-borne infections in humans. Currently, numerous programs are being developed to combat pathogenic bacteria in the food supply chain, especially at the primary production stage. These approaches include physical, chemical, biological, and other strategies and methods used to inhibit the bacterial growth of bacteria or completely eliminate the pathogens from the food chain. Therefore, an extremely important goal is to provide safe food and control its quality by eliminating pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. However, the use of chemicals in food preservation has negative effects for both the consumption values of food and the natural environment. Therefore, it seems absolutely necessary to implement measures utilizing the most environmentally friendly and effective techniques for controlling microbial contamination in food. There is a great need to develop ecological methods in food production which guarantee adequate safety. One of these methods is the use of bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) naturally occurring in the environment. Given the above, the aim of this study was to present the most natural, ecological, and alternative methods of food preservation with regard to the most common foodborne zoonotic bacteria. We also present methods for reducing the occurrence of microbial contamination in food, thus to produce maximally safe food for consumers. Full article

Animal proteins have been used in the formulation and production of food products for many centuries, which has mainly been attributed to their excellent functional properties. However, the rearing of animals has been associated with an increased emission of greenhouse gases that contributes to global warming and climate change. Consequently, there has been a drive toward using alternative proteins, such as those from plant origins, which have been found to be more sustainable. A climate-smart strategy to contribute toward a reduction in meat consumption has been the formulation of plant-based meat analogues. The lower acceptance of these meat substitutes is mainly attributed to their sensorial, nutritional, and textural properties, which fail to resemble conventional meat. As such, there is a knowledge gap in understanding key aspects that come into play while formulating meat alternatives from plant sources by deciphering the link between the techno-functional attributes of protein and the various quality attributes of these food products. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the technical advances that have been made when it comes to plant-based meat substitutes that could drive consumer acceptance. There is also a huge impetus to diversify plant protein usage in meat analogues beyond soy and pea, which requires the applications of underutilised plant proteins to overcome their functional and organoleptic shortcomings, as well as the techno-economic challenges that have also been addressed in this work. Additionally, the nutritional equivalency of plant-based meat alternatives is reviewed, and the ways in which these products have been fabricated are discussed to assess the opportunities and challenges that exist in current product formulations. Other key determinants, such as environmental sustainability factors, prospective supply chain issues, and the market adoptability of plant-based meat alternatives, are also discussed. This review emphasises the fact that interlinking technical challenges with consumer insights and socioeconomic perspectives for protein transition is critical to ensure that innovations successfully land in the market. Full article

Background/Objectives: Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne illnesses, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains posing significant threats to public health worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Salmonella, focusing on extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella in retail poultry meat in Korea. Methods: A total of 300 poultry meat samples were collected nationwide from retail markets. Multi-locus sequence typing, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was conducted against 28 representative ESBL-producing S. Infantis isolates to identify the genetic characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. Results: Salmonella was detected in 81.3% of raw poultry meat samples, with S. Infantis ST32 being the dominant serotype in chicken (53.0%) and S. Typhimurium ST19 predominant in duck (39.0%). MDR was identified in 58.2% of samples, with a significantly higher rate in chicken isolates than in duck isolates (p < 0.001). Notably, 75.3% of chicken MDR isolates were ESBL-producing S. Infantis carrying bla_CTX-M-65. WGS of 28 geographically and phenotypically representative ESBL-producing S. Infantis revealed five clonal clusters, suggesting the widespread dissemination of ESBL-producing S. Infantis across Korea’s poultry supply chain. All 28 ESBL-producing S. Infantis isolates contained a pESI-like megaplasmid, carrying multiple resistance and virulence genes, with sequences highly identical to plasmids reported in the United States, indicating potential international transmission. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the urgent need for continuous surveillance and responsible antibiotic use in livestock under a One Health framework. WGS can provide an effective tool for tracking AMR evolution and clonal spread within and across regions. Full article

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are rates, percentages, or averages that convey information depending on their application field. In the Food Supply Chain (FSC), a comprehensive study is lacking. This paper fills the gap through a systematic literature review of 125 documents on FSC performance measurement. Bibliometric analysis shows a growing publication trend, with common keywords being KPIs, supply chain management, performance, and sustainability. Content analysis identifies nine FSC product types, with agricultural, dairy, and meat products being the most common categories. Similarly, three FSC areas (supply, production, distribution) are outlined, with production receiving the greatest attention. Finally, KPIs are classified into economic, environmental, and social sustainability categories, to highlight their relationships with the triple bottom line. A framework including the most common KPIs for each stage of the FSC is also proposed, together with the specific KPIs for the different product types. Full article

The purpose of this study was to analyze the poultry chain in southern Italy to describe the characteristics of farms and their locations and to propose an optimized organizational model with a broader approach that considers not only economic and environmental factors, but also ethical ones, including animal welfare protection, particularly in the poultry food safety chain. To obtain these results, the geolocations of poultry facilities, identifying possible verticalizations in the supply chain, were used. Data were collected in the province of Foggia (Italy) and organized in a dataset in collaboration with the Prevention Department of the Local Health Authority. A geo-imputation procedure and centroid calculation allowed us to formulate an optimizing hypothesis regarding the geolocation of upstream and downstream facilities in the process of chicken breeding by identifying a possible verticalization in the supply chain. Our results highlight the importance of broadening the concept of industrial symbiosis in the management of poultry farming, not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a social perspective. In particular, concerning ethical aspects, protecting animal welfare today is an essential goal of the sector to ensure high quality and yield of poultry meat. The results represent the first step towards proposing an optimized organizational model that takes ethical and social aspects into consideration. The paper is intended to highlight how, in the poultry sector, an organizational scheme can also reconcile other aspects, such as safeguarding the welfare conditions of animals on farms and during transport to improve food safety. Full article

Intelligent and antimicrobial packaging technologies are transforming meat preservation by enhancing food safety, enabling real-time quality monitoring, and extending shelf life. This review critically examines advancements in intelligent systems, including radio frequency identification (RFID), gas sensors, time-temperature indicators (TTIs), and colorimetric indicators for continuous freshness assessment. A key focus is natural compound-based chromogenic indicators, which establish visual spoilage detection via distinct color transitions. Concurrently, antimicrobial systems integrating inorganic compounds, organic bioactive agents, and natural antimicrobials effectively inhibit microbial growth. Strategic incorporation of these agents into polymeric matrices enhances meat safety, supported by standardized evaluation protocols for regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Future research should prioritize optimizing sensitivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability, alongside developing biodegradable materials to balance food safety with reduced environmental impact, advancing sustainable food supply chains. Full article

The application of Industry 4.0 technologies in the halal meat supply chain (HMSC) is an emerging but underexplored area. While technologies like 3D printing, AI, AR, metaverse, digital twins, robotics, and big data analytics are widely discussed in food production, their specific use in HMSC lacks comprehensive analysis. These technologies can address challenges such as cross-contamination, fraud, and traceability issues, but few studies have examined their practical implementation, highlighting the need for further empirical research. This review explores how Industry 4.0 technologies enhance efficiency, traceability, and transparency in HMSC and highlights the potential use of AR for real-time product verification, metaverse for virtual inspections, AI and robotics for improving efficiency, compliance, and hygiene, and digital twins for training and product quality monitoring. The review also identified research gaps, particularly the lack of focus on intelligent packaging, in vitro meat, and the 3D printing of halal meat products. The findings stress the need for greater exploration of these technologies in the HMSC, emphasizing their transformative potential in creating a transparent and efficient halal food system. Further research on emerging technologies like 3D printing and in vitro meat is essential, especially regarding their impact on halal standards and sustainability, ensuring future growth. Full article

The sustainability of the meat value chain is a topic of global importance, with slaughtering close to farms emerging as a significant measure that not only enhances animal welfare, but also integrates economic, environmental, and social aspects into the meat production process. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 99 academic articles focusing on the sustainability of the meat value chain, published between 1985 and 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer software version 1.6.20, we performed both bibliometric and thematic analyses to gain insights into the evolution of research in this field. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in studies on this subject since 2017, with 80% of publications emerging in the last seven years, indicating a growing interest in this area of research. Swedish universities and researchers were identified as key contributors to this body of work, demonstrating a significant commitment to exploring the sustainability of the meat value chain. Furthermore, we observed that studies related to sustainability and the circular economy are predominantly published in journals focused on environmental issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts. This review aims to provide valuable support to researchers and academics by elucidating the boundaries and potential of research on the sustainability of the meat value chain. By shedding light on current trends and areas of focus, we hope to inspire further exploration and innovation in improving the supply chain in the future. Full article

The chicken value chain, a vital part of the global food supply, also represents a significant public health concern due to the risk of foodborne pathogens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of significant bacterial pathogens including Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Klebsiella pneumonia. in retail chicken meat and associated environments and the antimicrobial resistance based on the articles published between January 2010–December 2023. The research adhered to the guidelines in the ’Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ (PRISMA). Based on 90 included studies, S. aureus showed the highest pooled prevalence (56%; 95% CI: 38–74%), followed by E. coli (50%; 95% CI: 37–64%), C. perfringens (35%; 95% CI: 10–65%), and K. pneumoniae (21%; 95% CI: 7–38%). Salmonella spp. (95% CI: 11–26%) and Campylobacter spp. (95% CI: 11–27%) exhibited similar prevalence rates at 18%, while L. monocytogenes had the lowest prevalence at 13% (95% CI: 1–33%). A sensitivity analysis was subsequently conducted to assess the impact of influential studies, and the pooled prevalence of each pathogen was recalculated after removing these studies to ensure the robustness of the results. The pathogens, specifically Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp., displayed high levels of resistance to medically important antimicrobials (erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, colistin), a potential threat to human health. This study advocates for a collaborative and comprehensive approach, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the issue, and highlighting the importance of a holistic strategy to safeguard public health and maintain antibiotic effectiveness in the face of emerging challenges. Full article

Agroecology is increasingly used to study the evolution of farms and food systems, in which livestock plays a significant part. While large-scale specialized livestock farms are sometimes criticized for their contribution to climate change and nutrient cycle disruption, interest in alternative practices such as raising multiple species, integrating crop and livestock, relying on pasture, and marketing through short supply chains is growing. Through a narrative review, we aimed to determine if the scientific literature allowed for an evaluation of the agroecological contribution of alternative livestock farming practices. Taking advantage of ruminants’ capacity to digest human-inedible plant material such as hay and pasture on marginal land reduces the competition between livestock feed and human food for arable land. Taking advantage of monogastric animals’ capacity to digest food waste or byproducts limits the need for grain feed. Pasturing spreads manure directly on the field and allows for the expression of natural animal behavior. Animals raised on alternative livestock farms, however, grow slower and live longer than those raised on large specialized farms. This causes them to consume more feed and to emit more greenhouse gases per unit of meat produced. Direct or short supply chain marketing fosters geographical and relational proximity, but alternative livestock farms’ contribution to the social equity and responsibility principles of agroecology are not well documented. Policy aimed at promoting practices currently in place on alternative livestock farms is compatible with agroecology but has to be envisioned in parallel with a reduction in animal consumption in order to balance nutrient and carbon cycles. Full article

This study enhances the discussion on food security by examining trade equity between food consumers and the supply chain from an emergy perspective. The objective is to develop a food security indicator for Brazil as a case study that provides a holistic view of the historical relationship (from 1995 to 2022) between the emergy and money received by consumers and the emergy and money supplied by the food chain. Each item in the Brazilian food basket was evaluated using the Emergy Exchange Ratio (EER) indicator, which measures the advantages and disadvantages that consumers and the food chain experience in their exchanges. The results indicate that processed food items such as oils and butter generally provide greater net emergy benefits to consumers compared to fresh food items like meat, bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes, which often favor the supply chain. Furthermore, the findings highlight that vulnerable populations face significant challenges in achieving food security due to their increased efforts to generate income relative to the emergy they receive for their social welfare. The proposed food security indicator reveals that consumers enjoyed a more balanced trade since the mid-1990s; however, this trend has recently begun to reverse, underscoring the need for policies that ensure fairer exchanges. This work contributes to discussions on food security by considering an emergy-based approach with the modified Emergy per Money Ratio (EMR) as a complement to traditionally used approaches. Full article

Determining the microbial quality and safety of meat is crucial because of its high potential to harbor pathogens. To address the critical knowledge gap and shed light on potential contamination risk in the meat supply chain, this study aimed to assess the underexplored microbial quality and safety of marketed beef meat in Oman. Thirty-three beef meat samples from six hypermarkets were analyzed for Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Psychrotrophic Bacteria Count (PBC), and coliform and Escherichia coli counts. Prevalences were 93% and 94% (means: 2.8 ± 1.1 and 2.6 ± 0.8 log CFU/g, respectively) for coliform, and 80% and 83% (means: 1.8 ± 1.4 and 1.7 ± 0.9 log CFU/g, respectively) for E. coli in imported and local samples, respectively. The mean counts of APC (6.3 ± 0.1 log CFU/g) and PBC (6.2 ± 0.2 log CFU/g) were statistically similar but different from those of coliform and E. coli. Bacterial identification using VITEK 2 compact revealed spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Shewanella putrefaciens) and pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter bumannii complex, Aerococcus viridans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Oligella ureolytica), which demonstrates a potential for both spoilage and pathogen-related risks. It is concluded that the APC counts of all samples exceeded acceptable standards set by the G.C.C. Standardization Organization (GSO), which was established to protect food safety and public health in Oman and other Gulf countries. This suggests an increased risk of spoilage and pathogen contamination. This study provides one of the earliest reports of microbial contamination levels in meat, serving as an eye-opener for policymakers and stakeholders. It highlights a need for stricter hygiene protocols and improved meat handling and processing practices to enhance meat safety and protect public health in Oman and the Gulf region. Full article

The prevalence of foodborne diseases is continuously increasing, causing numerous hospitalizations and deaths, as well as money loss in the agri-food sector and food supply chain worldwide. The standard analyses currently used for bacteria detection have significant limitations with the most important being their long procedural time that can be crucial for foodborne outbreaks. In this study, a biosensor system able to perform robust and accurate detection of Salmonella spp. in meat products was developed. To achieve this, a portable device developed by EMBIO Diagnostics called B.EL.D^TM (Bio Electric Diagnostics) and cell-based biosensor technology (BERA) were used. Results indicated that the new method could detect the pathogen within 24 h after a 3-min analysis and discriminate samples with and without Salmonella with high accuracy. Achieving an accuracy of 86.1% and a detection limit (LOD) of 1 log CFU g⁻¹, this innovative technology enables rapid and sensitive identification of Salmonella spp. in meat and meat products, making it an excellent tool for pathogen screening. Full article