Food safety: major challenges for the agri-food sector
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Food safety: challenges and solutions
19
May
Posted by: Clarisse Maitre
Category:
News, Market news
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Food safety is under the spotlight more than ever after a year 2024 marked by numerous health scandals. As a result, companies in the agri-food sector must redouble their vigilance.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, the consequences can be far-reaching: temporary production stoppages, loss of goods, but also, more durably, a deterioration in consumer relations. A simple product recall can cost nearly 8 million euros, according to a report by Allianz (source).
Faced with these multiple risks, it is essential for companies to put in place robust systems capable of preventing rather than simply reacting. Interim management appears to be a strategic lever for anticipating and avoiding this type of scandal, by helping manufacturers to strengthen their security systems.
The main challenges of food safety
1. Risk multiplication
Microbiological, chemical and physical contamination
The agri-food production environment is evolving rapidly, and with it, the nature of the risks. Microbiological contamination is still the most common, but chemical residues (pesticides, antibiotics) and foreign bodies (glass, plastic) are on the increase. The slightest incident can have extremely serious health consequences and major economic repercussions.
Increased supply chain complexity
Added to this is the growing complexity of globalized supply chains. From the harvesting of raw materials to their processing, packaging, transport and distribution, each stage multiplies points of vulnerability. According to a Deloitte study, 74% of companies in the sector say they have difficulty guaranteeing complete end-to-end traceability, with no information gaps.
New forms of production (biotechnologies, processed foods)
Finally, the rise of ultra-processed foods and new forms of production (such as food biotechnologies or plant-based alternatives to meat) is making quality control processes even more complex. These innovations require rapid adaptation of safety protocols, regular updating of internal procedures and constant, rigorous regulatory monitoring.
2. Reinforced regulatory framework
Stricter European standards
European health authorities have tightened their approach to food safety. In 2024, a 10% increase in official controls was introduced, along with a revision of safety standards. Manufacturers must now ensure total traceability, capable of rapidly identifying the source of contamination, throughout the entire production chain.
Obligation to react quickly in the event of a crisis
In the event of suspected contamination, companies are required to initiate extremely strict recall procedures, often within very short deadlines, on pain of administrative sanctions and legal action. This demand for responsiveness calls for flawless organization, clear decision-making circuits and teams trained in crisis management, capable of acting in a hurry.
3. Technological pressure and societal expectations
The rise of new technologies is revolutionizing industry practices.
The automation of quality controls, the integration of AI to detect anomalies, or the use of IoT to monitor storage conditions in real time, are becoming expected standards.
Blockchain, on the other hand, offers a promising way of making product traceability more reliable and reassuring consumers about their provenance. Some supermarket chains are already testing these systems on fresh produce, with QR codes that can be scanned and trace the product's entire journey from field to plate.
At the same time, consumer expectations are changing. They demand transparency, responsiveness and responsibility. An IFOP survey in 2023 revealed that 68% of French people say they are concerned about the safety of the food they eat, and 1 in 2 say they have already changed their purchasing habits following a food scandal.
How interim management can make a difference
The curative approach is not enough. The food industry is moving towards a preventive approach. Intelligent sensors, real-time data analysis and predictive monitoring are becoming essential. In this context, interim management plays a key role in accelerating the adoption of these new practices.
The challenge is twofold: to protect consumer health and maintain confidence in a constantly exposed sector.
Delville Management :
expertise to meet your food safety challenges
In this context, an interim manager specialized in agri-food transition management or in supply chain interim management can intervene rapidly to :
- upgrade traceability systems, by introducing high-performance digital tools. Please see our article on blockchain in agricultural carbon credits which shows the potential of this technology.
- train teams in proper procedures and early risk detection.
- strengthen internal audits and quality controls.
- coordinate the various players in the chain (suppliers, laboratories, distributors) to encourage a collaborative approach.
Do not hesitate to consult our interim management firmand our experts :
Jean-Yves Marrec
Camille Netchaeff
Director, Agrifood Practice
06 70 10 78 66
Senior Business Manager
06 38 69 11 62