From lab to market: Real-time food safety monitoring via spectroscopy, blockchain and artificial intelligence

Background The food system is a complex concept that involves various stages and processes from farm-to-fork, where the assessment of quality and safety at every stage is of great importance. The current safety and quality controls rely on microbiological and chemical analyses, which are time-consuming, laborious and provide retrospective results. Scope and approach This review critically examines the current developments and practical applications of spectroscopy-based sensors integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technologies (IT), emphasising their role in ensuring food integrity throughout the entire supply chain, from production to consumption. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art in non-destructive spectroscopic instrumentation, AI-driven analytical tools, Blockchain technology, and other emerging digital innovations aimed at enhancing real-time food safety and quality monitoring. Particular attention is given to the progression from laboratory-scale experiments to commercially viable solutions, highlighting the technological advancements achieved, as well as the logistical, economic, and infrastructural challenges impeding their large-scale deployment. This review underscores the transformative potential of these integrated technologies in establishing transparent, traceable, and resilient food systems on a global scale. Key findings and conclusions In this context, spectroscopy-based sensors in tandem with AI tools and Information Technologies, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things, big data and Blockchain, are a very promising topic for the food industry to assure food quality and safety.