The future of food safety: possible trends for the years 2022‐2032 and their influence on food safety and nutrition

Over the next decade, demographic, societal, technological, economic, environmental, and political factors are expected to significantly influence the agri‐food chain. Demographic shifts, characterised by an aging population and sustained migration, along with evolving consumer demands, will drive a greater emphasis on sustainability. This includes increased consumption of organic, locally produced, and "clean label" products (containing few ingredients and no additives), as well as a resurgence in home‐made food. Personalised nutrition, vegan and vegetarian diets, and alternative protein sources will gain prominence. Technological advancements will introduce new raw materials, such as novel protein sources and genetically engineered products, while innovative agricultural methods like vertical farming (involving the use of new agricultural surfaces) and digitalised "smart" production chains will optimise food production. Emerging processing techniques, including 3D food printing and non‐thermal plasma processing, alongside sustainable packaging innovations, will reshape food manufacturing. Additionally, advancements in laboratory diagnostics, such as whole genome sequencing and microbiome analysis, will enhance food safety and quality control. Economically, the personalisation of food, driven by microbiome analysis and psychotropic comfort foods, is poised to be lucrative. The food experience will be enriched through new textures and recycling or upcycling of food waste into novel products. New business models, like "ghost kitchens," will also emerge, reflecting shifts in food distribution patterns influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Environmental challenges, particularly those arising from climate change, will alter precipitation patterns in Switzerland, potentially disrupting food imports from affected regions. Politically, Switzerland's food safety regulations will be influenced by international frameworks such as the UN's Agenda 2030 and the EU's Green Deal. While Switzerland can quickly respond to new food safety threats, slow legislative changes may create trade barriers with the EU. These trends underscore the need for dynamic policy adaptation to ensure food safety and sustainability in a rapidly evolving global landscape.