Issue Traceability technologies improving safety but raising costs

Summary

Among the longer-term uncertainties for foodborne disease, the report considers both the promise and the cost of new tracing technologies. Blockchain, the internet of things and AI could speed up the tracing and certification of ingredients, simplify investigations and cut food waste. However, the cost of adopting these technologies could be passed on to consumers. The report judges that this could widen inequality in access to safe food. It also expects a rise in online marketplaces and unregulated distribution chains to complicate tracing, and it sees stronger surveillance as improving understanding of the ecosystem microbiome.