AI: Artificial Intelligence or Analytical Intelligence? AI‘s Impact on Food Safety Management

Convegno a cura di R-Biopharm che si terrà a Labotec 2025, Fiere di Parma.

Artificial intelligence (AI) – technology that mimics human cognition through learning and decision-making is transforming food safety management across multiple domains. This presentation examines the evolution of AI from its conceptual origins to its modern-day applications, driven by machine learning, big data, and automation. The strength of AI concerning food safety lies probably in the advanced data management and integration, e.g. integrating real-time and historical data across silo’s, handling unstructured data and identification of meaningful patterns humans would miss. AI can predict risks before they materialize and supports the shift from reactive quality control to risk-based prevention.

In mycotoxin management, AI enhances analysis through rapid spectral data processing, predicts contamination risks using environmental modeling, enables real-time sorting, and supports precision agriculture via drone-based monitoring. External drivers such as climate change, shifting trade flows, and the rise of plant-based diets amplify the urgency for AI-driven solutions. In allergen testing, AI helps interpret the vast datasets generated by untargeted LC-MS/MS screening, identifying trace allergens in complex food matrices with greater speed and accuracy. This will enable real-time monitoring, rapid interventions, and faster corrective actions. Combined with spectroscopic techniques, AI enables non-destructive, high-throughput screening and supports predictive modeling of cross-contamination risks in production environments.

In combating food fraud, AI analyzes supply chain data to detect anomalies, authenticate ingredients via spectral fingerprinting, and integrate with blockchain systems for traceability. These tools help identify economically motivated adulteration and ensure product integrity. In microbiological safety, AI supports rapid pathogen detection through image-based colony recognition, genomic data analysis, and predictive modeling of microbial growth under varying conditions. It also aids in outbreak tracing by analyzing epidemiological and genomic data in real time.

Across all domains, AI is increasingly used for trend monitoring, identifying emerging risks and patterns in contamination, consumer complaints, and regulatory non-compliance. AI adds improved accuracy and consistency. This enables proactive interventions and more agile food safety strategies. Nevertheless, there are currently several limitations like data quality and availability, limited labelled training data, lack of standards and validation, and others.

Looking ahead, AI holds promise for global risk mapping, portable on-site diagnostics, end-to-end supply chain transparency, and smart farming or production innovations such as autonomous interventions. Despite challenges like data accessibility, standardization, and cross-sector collaboration, AI’s integration into food safety systems offers a path toward more resilient agriculture and safer food.

Relatore:
Ronald Niemeijer, Global Brand Manager R-Biopharm AG