Smart Traceability for Food Safety: Managing Food Traceability in the Digital Age

Abstract

Food safety is essential to protect public health and ensure traceability throughout food chain. The increase in alert systems between 2018 and 2023 has highlighted critical issues in official controls, particularly regarding food traceability. Data on sanctions and seizures carried out in the Campania region for lack of traceability during the years 2018–2023. These data were analyzed, with prior authorization from the competent UOD. These data showed that each year, a significant percentage of sanctions (over 10%) is related to traceability issues. To address these problems, SMART TRACEABILITY was developed, an innovative software designed for bar, restaurants, and other food service establishments. The platform allows for the automated compilation of production records by selecting recipes and photographing lot numbers, reducing manual errors and ensuring compliance with current food safety regulations.

Pilot testing in two restaurants showed that, after initial resistance, the system was effectively integrated into their processes, improving operational efficiency and the traceability of ingredients. Although developed for the restaurant sector, SMART TRACEABILITY could also be adapted for the food industry, introducing advanced features such as monitoring the quantities produced and the recipients of the supplies, this system ensure complete traceability along the entire chain from producer to consumer.