Calls are being made for the government to revamp its approach to food quality and safety checks, with new technology enabling real-time tracking of food from farm to plate.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has urged for substantial reforms in food safety protocols, mentioning that the current system has led to several ‘high-profile failures’.

Food fraud costs the UK up to £2b annually, posing risks to both businesses and consumers.

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This push for change follows a report from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that highlights the escalating issue of food crime, including mislabelled or unsafe meat.

AIMS has highlighted that there is 'good news' with the advent of modern technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and sensors, which could provide more effective solutions.

Dr Jason Aldiss, head of external affairs at AIMS, stated: "These technologies will stop food fraud, reduce costs for businesses, and give consumers peace of mind that their food is safe and genuine.

“The use of modern technology could cut these crimes dramatically while lowering costs."

Blockchain technology aids the tracking of every step in food production, while AI can detect issues before they arise. Additionally, biosensors can instantly assess animal health and food quality.

Dr Aldiss noted that this technology not only helps in preventing crime but also proves to be more cost-effective than outdated systems and is readily available.

He said: “British farms already lead the world in food quality. Now, we just need to adopt the right technology to keep up that reputation and save money in the process.

“By making these changes, we’ll ensure that bad practices are caught early, keeping the entire industry on track and giving consumers the confidence that the food they buy is safe”.