As home to some of the world’s largest consumer bases, including China, India, and Indonesia, the APAC region has a uniquely diverse food supply network, encompassing multiple cultures, cuisines, and production landscapes. This diversity, however, has led to heightened risks related to food safety, prompting firms to turn to technology for better control and monitoring.

Dr. Purwiyatno Hariyadi from Southeast Asia’s Food and Agriculture Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Institute emphasized that climate-induced temperature changes exacerbate the three major food safety threats in APAC: microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards. “Climate change accelerates these issues, posing risks such as salmonellosis, contamination from natural disasters, and plant and seafood toxin absorption,” he stated. With 600 million people worldwide suffering from foodborne illnesses annually, the stakes are high for the food industry.

Traceability technology is emerging as a powerful tool to tackle these issues. Singapore-based DiMuto, a company specializing in food supply chain traceability, believes visibility is critical. “With visibility, food companies can gather vital data about product origin, safety tests, and lab certifications,” DiMuto representatives noted, adding that recent industry shifts show a growing openness to technologies like blockchain and AI for enhanced transparency.

As food safety demands mount, regulatory agencies are stepping up their oversight. India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) recently undertook large-scale testing of milk and dairy products, citing concerns over contaminants such as veterinary drugs and heavy metals. Australia is also strengthening its focus on traceability to address food fraud and antimicrobial resistance, an issue arising from antibiotic use in livestock. “The use of antibiotics in food animals could elevate the risk of resistant bacteria entering the food chain,” said Fiona Fleming, CEO of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives are also driving this tech transformation. Companies like Thai Union and Nestlé now prioritize transparency and traceability to meet ESG reporting requirements. Thai Union’s 2025 Tuna Commitment aims for 100% transparency across its supply chain, while Nestlé mandates that suppliers ensure traceability of ingredients to prevent human rights and environmental risks.

The European Union’s recent Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) further mandates strict traceability for firms exporting to the EU. To retain market access, companies must provide precise geographic data for sourcing locations, highlighting the growing need for interoperable traceability systems. “Interoperability is key to comprehensive risk management,” Fleming stressed, calling for standardized data protocols.

Looking ahead, newer technologies like Singapore’s NaturalTag molecular tracing system are setting new standards, offering traceability solutions for individual food items, such as fruits or coffee beans. This tech shift, fuelled by a wider adoption of AI and cloud-based platforms, could redefine food safety across APAC, potentially transforming job roles in the food industry and optimizing supply chain efficiency.

As APAC’s food industry continues to grow, the integration of advanced technology into food safety and traceability processes is anticipated to reshape industry standards, ensuring a safer and more transparent supply chain for millions of consumers.

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The study, which assessed 30 multinational corporations, revealed that products sold in low-income countries averaged a score of 1.8, whereas those in high-income countries rated 2.3. A Health Star Rating above 3.5 is generally considered healthier. Mark Wijne, ATNI’s research director, noted that this trend indicates a stark health imbalance, calling on governments in low-income countries to be more vigilant regarding the nutritional quality of food products.

The ATNI report underscores a global health concern: as packaged foods increasingly contribute to rising obesity rates, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, they pose a growing threat. The World Health Organization reports that over a billion people worldwide are living with obesity, and the World Bank estimates that 70% of individuals who are overweight or obese reside in low- and middle-income countries.

In response, a Nestle spokesperson said the company is committed to expanding its sales of more nutritious products, adding that it fortifies certain products to address nutrient deficiencies in developing nations. PepsiCo declined to comment but recently announced goals to lower sodium in its snacks and incorporate whole grains into its products.

ATNI’s latest findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, signaling a need for stricter regulations to improve the nutritional quality of products in regions most vulnerable to health inequities.

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Goyal emphasized in a statement on social media platform X that the mislabeled mushrooms were identified by the Zomato warehouse team during routine quality control (QC) checks and were subsequently rejected. “This is not usual and was due to a manual error by the vendor. Nevertheless, the vendor has been delisted from our system,” Goyal assured, underscoring Hyperpure’s stringent food safety protocols.

Zomato’s Hyperpure serves as a business-to-business (B2B) platform providing fresh ingredients to restaurants. Despite the isolated incident, Goyal reaffirmed the company’s commitment to high food safety standards across its supply chain. He also expressed surprise at the media focus on the 90 packets of mushrooms, valued at Rs 7,200, out of Hyperpure’s extensive inventory, adding, “These were never intended for customer use, and we hold an A+ food safety rating.”

The incident followed an inspection last month by the Telangana Commissioner of Food Safety, who noted various lapses, including open warehouse doors and a few staff without haircaps and aprons. Goyal affirmed Zomato’s commitment to rectifying any operational oversights while maintaining high industry standards.

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The WHO’s draft guidelines, which stopped short of calling for harsher warning labels, emphasize the need for “interpretive” labels that not only show nutritional information but also provide clarity on what these numbers mean for the product’s healthiness. An example of this system is NutriScore, used in several European countries, which ranks foods from A (green for healthy) to E (red for unhealthy), depending on their nutritional content.

While some countries, like Chile, have implemented more stringent labelling, including stop-sign-like warnings for products high in sugar, salt, or fat, the WHO’s guidelines remain less severe. Despite evidence showing that front-of-package labels can significantly influence buying behaviour, only 43 of WHO’s member states have implemented such labelling systems, whether mandatory or voluntary.

The WHO’s draft, which has been in the works since 2019, aims to support consumers in making healthier food-related decisions. It has now completed a public consultation and is set to finalize the guidelines in early 2025.

Lindsey Smith Taillie, a food labelling expert, noted that the food industry has resisted warnings, favouring non-interpretive labels like those used in the U.S., which provide information on nutrition without explaining its health implications. She added that while the WHO’s proposal is a step in the right direction, it is “fairly weak” compared to warning labels, which have been proven to limit excessive intake of harmful ingredients.

Research has shown the effectiveness of stricter labelling measures. In Chile, such warnings, along with policies like restrictions on marketing to children, have led to a 37% drop in sugar consumption, a 22% reduction in sodium intake, and fewer total calories consumed.

The International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), which includes major brands like Coca-Cola and Mondelez, expressed general support for the WHO’s guidelines but cautioned against labelling that could “demonize” certain products. IFBA members already adhere to minimum global standards, including nutrient listings on the back of packages and energy content on the front, in line with international standards.

However, Rocco Renaldi, IFBA’s Secretary-General, pointed out that in some countries, like Nigeria and Pakistan, the market is dominated by local producers who may not follow these global practices. While supporting the guidelines in principle, Renaldi emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “We don’t think health-warning type labels belong on food products that are deemed safe and approved for sale.”

The WHO’s final guidelines are expected to be released next year, as the world continues to seek solutions to the growing obesity epidemic.

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“Quality and safety are two cultural edifices of the company that are essential for producing high-quality products,” Narayanan stated. He added that every meeting, whether business- or process-oriented, begins with a focus on safety and compliance. “There is no room for shortcuts when it comes to quality; it’s either right or wrong. There is no middle ground,” he remarked during a panel discussion on “Innovative India for Global Reach.”

Narayanan also highlighted the importance of compliance within the organization, reiterating that quality and safety serve as protective measures for the company. Referring to the challenges faced during the Maggi crisis a decade ago, he said, “Quality and safety come to your rescue. They are your armor.” He dismissed any notion of personal credit for the company’s recovery, stating, “What helped the company was a strong backbone of quality.”

As Nestlé continues to prioritize quality and safety, Narayanan’s insights serve as a reminder of the integral role these principles play in maintaining consumer trust and ensuring business resilience.

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At the heart of this movement is the commitment to fully utilize resources, from farm-level harvests to packaging solutions. “Zero-waste processing is one of the most significant strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of food production,” said Salloni Ghodawat, Director at Ghodawat Consumer Limited. Companies are sourcing excess produce for soups, juices, and purees while repurposing by-products like citrus peels and bran into natural flavorings and animal feed.

The movement is also addressing packaging waste. Many brands are shifting toward biodegradable and compostable materials, reducing reliance on single-use plastics and minimizing landfill waste.

Janardhan Swahar, CEO of Y-Cook India Private Limited, emphasized the importance of a “complete cycle” approach. Y-Cook, for example, repurposes 18 tons of corn-husks daily as fodder for livestock, benefiting local farmers and boosting milk production. The company also recycles 70% of the water used in its processes, further reinforcing its zero-waste commitment.

Technology is playing a pivotal role, with companies like Ofi India using cutting-edge methods to reduce waste. Gaurav Grover, CEO of Ofi India, explained how their upcycling initiative turns discarded coffee fruit into health products, creating value and reducing waste.

As consumer awareness of sustainability grows, these zero-waste efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also appeal to eco-conscious customers. Food brands are leading the way, ensuring a more sustainable future for food production.

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A diverse lineup of distinguished speakers will headline the event. The Guest of Honor, Prof. S.M. Hadi, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Biochemistry, AMU Aligarh, will present on “Plant Polyphenols as Putative Anticancer Agents.” Dr. Neelu Khurana, Director of Quality Assurance and New Product Development at House of Spices (India), will lead a session focusing on the critical role of the food processing industry.

Special Invitee Mr. Firoz H. Naqvi, Director of the Federation of Sweets & Namkeen Manufacturers, Mumbai, will offer insights on “Nourishing the Future: How Food Processing Can Alleviate Hunger in India”— a talk in accordance with this year’s World Food Day theme. Additionally, Mr. Sanjit Chakraborty, Director of Hapten Biosystems Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, will speak on “Food Allergies: A Hidden Burden,” an emerging concern within the food industry.

A key feature of the celebration will be an exhibition that showcases innovative products made from food waste, emphasizing sustainability and efforts to reduce food loss. Various companies from the food and allied industries will also present their latest products, highlighting advancements in food technology.

Students from GBU, alongside those from other universities, colleges, and higher secondary schools across the Delhi-NCR region, will actively participate in the event, fostering a collaborative environment for discussions on global food security and sustainable development practices.

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, honors the establishment of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” underscores the urgent need to address hunger and malnutrition worldwide.

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These directives come in the wake of shocking cases of food contamination, including a viral video from Saharanpur showing a worker spitting on food. This was followed by the arrest of a juice vendor in Ghaziabad for allegedly mixing urine in fruit juices. In Noida, two men were arrested for contaminating juice with saliva.

At a high-level meeting, CM Adityanath condemned these acts as “disgusting” and harmful to public health, calling for strict measures against offenders. “Such incidents are gruesome and have an adverse effect on the health of the common man,” Adityanath stated. The chief minister also ordered thorough inspections of all restaurants, dhabas, and food establishments statewide, with police verification of employees.

The Uttar Pradesh government plans to amend the Food Safety and Standards Act to reinforce food purity regulations. These measures are seen as part of a larger effort to ensure food safety and transparency for the public.

While the new regulations have been welcomed by many, opposition parties have criticized them, claiming they could disproportionately affect small business owners from marginalized communities.

The move follows an earlier directive requiring food stalls along Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner details, aimed at promoting transparency for consumers.

Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ reiterated the government’s commitment to food safety, saying, “CCTV cameras will be installed, and all employees must wear masks and gloves. Transparency is key in food service.”

Opposition leaders, however, have questioned the motive behind the move. SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra called it a “dictatorial step,” while UP Congress chief Ajay Rai argued that existing systems already provide adequate owner information.

Despite the criticism, the state government is pushing ahead with its campaign to protect public health and prevent further cases of adulteration.

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According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the campaign includes raids on sweet shops and establishments selling desi ghee and butter. Samples have been collected from various vendors, with strict actions planned for those found selling adulterated products. Health Secretary and Food Commissioner R Rajesh Kumar emphasized that the state is determined to curb the sale of substandard ghee and butter.

The Union Health Ministry has also instructed states to collect and test samples of laddus and ghee to address concerns about widespread adulteration. Additional Commissioner of Food Department Tajbar Jaggi confirmed that district officials have been directed to intensify inspections and conduct raids on food establishments suspected of selling adulterated products.

Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner RS Rawat, teams inspected both urban and rural areas, collecting samples of ghee and butter from multiple locations in Dehradun. Similar operations were conducted in rural areas like Herbertpur and Sahaspur. In Kumaon Division, Deputy Commissioner Anoj Kumar Thapliyal led a thorough inspection of wholesalers in Haldwani, collecting samples from various brands such as Paras, Pehelwan, and Mother Dairy for testing.

The collected samples will be sent to laboratories for analysis, and further action will be taken once the reports are received. This intensified campaign underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the purity of food products sold across Uttarakhand.

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The testing was initiated after Hong Kong suspended sales of certain spice blends from MDH and Everest in April due to high levels of pesticides. Subsequently, the United Kingdom tightened its controls on all spice imports from India, while New Zealand, the United States, and Australia began investigating potential issues with these brands.

FSSAI conducted extensive inspections and sampling, testing a total of 4,054 spice samples between May and early July. Of these, 474 samples—nearly 12%—did not meet the established quality and safety standards. Despite the failure rate, both MDH and Everest have maintained that their products are safe for consumption. These brands are among the most popular in India, which is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices.

The safety agency did not provide specific details on which brands were implicated in the tests but assured that necessary actions are being taken against companies with non-compliant products. “Action on non-conforming samples has been taken as stipulated,” FSSAI stated, referencing the penalty provisions under Indian law, although further details were not disclosed.

The data was obtained through a Right to Information request filed by Reuters. While the request sought detailed reports on all samples that failed the tests, FSSAI stated that such reports were not available.

India’s spice industry is a significant contributor to its economy, with the domestic market valued at $10.44 billion in 2022, according to Zion Market Research. The country’s spice exports reached a record $4.46 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2024.

The recent findings underscore the need for stringent quality controls in India’s spice industry, which is vital not only for domestic consumption but also for maintaining its global market reputation.

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