In the wake of the pandemic, the food industry is under pressure to remain compliant and ensure quality consistency meets health and safety demands today. At the same time, general attitudes toward food are changing, with more consumers demanding transparency about what they eat and where it comes from. Many want to rest assured that their food is free of pesticides and other chemical contaminants.
What does this all mean for the food quality assurance industry? Businesses must ensure that there are enough safety guidelines to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses or other issues. In the coming years, we can expect stricter regulations across the supply chain to control food safety and protect public health. If you’re interested in working in food quality assurance, now is the time. Keep reading to learn more about some key trends shaping food quality assurance today.
Technology Is Driving Changes to Food Quality Assurance
As in any other industry, technology has quickly become a driving force for change in food quality assurance. Businesses are seeing the convenience of digital platforms and data for understanding consumers better and keeping track of compliance regulations. With technology-driven systems, we can expect to see more:
- Accurate recording of food safety data
- Traceability systems
- Enhanced predictive analytics
- Systems to measure oxidation and stability of food products
- Smart tools for addressing outbreaks
Technology is improving efficiency and transparency in food quality assurance.
Each of these can lead to more efficient responses to food safety issues. Canada is already taking the lead in this innovation, with a new pilot plant research facility to help Canadian farmers and consumers benefit from advances in food safety technologies. Scientists from Health Canada and other organizations will be able to test-drive the latest food processing technologies and help improve Canada’s food safety system. With time, these practices will take off as more advanced software systems are introduced to the market.
More Emphasis on Hygiene & Sanitation Practices
Foodborne illnesses have always been around; however, since the pandemic, general concerns around public health and hygiene have changed. Food businesses are looking to adopt stricter hygiene practices and protocols to control the spread of potential food safety hazards. More pressure is being placed on facilities to have proper sanitation areas for employees, with inspections taking place to monitor those practices.
Expect stricter hygiene and sanitation practices in the food quality assurance industry.
As a student in the Food Safety Training program at AAPS, you’ll take a hands-on approach to food safety and training and learn how to implement the fundamental principles of quality assurance. At the same time, you’ll get an introduction to hygienic practices, requirements for sanitation programs, and modern sanitation practices in food processing facilities.
Transparency Is Key in the Supply Chain
As more consumers turn their attention to the health, sustainability, and ethics of the food they eat, there’s a growing demand for trust and transparency across the food supply chain. Food businesses should provide accountability for the manufacturing process, where the food comes from, and what ingredients are used. Technology and software programs are expected to help with the transparency of this information.
There’s a growing demand for accountability in the food supply chain.
Beyond consumer pressures, transparency in the supply chain can also help businesses with the increase in cases of food fraud. The limited supply of resources and the limited movement of inspectors during the pandemic led to more fraudulent products and imports on the market. The food quality assurance industry is now looking to regain control of the supply chain with better data collection and scanning systems. Suppliers can instantly identify where a product is coming from to ensure accuracy at every stage.
With the right training, you can position yourself at the forefront of these trends and prepare for entry-level or ongoing career development in the food and beverage industry.
Are you looking to earn your food technology diploma?
Contact AAPS to learn how you can get started.