A fuzzy model for aggregative food safety risk assessment in food supply chains

The food industry is under pressure to improve food product safety, implement efficient risk management and rapid response capability, and manage quality 'from farm to fork'. In this article, a new risk assessment approach is proposed to perform structured analysis of aggregative food safety risk in the food supply chain by using the concepts of fuzzy set theory and analytical hierarchy process. The novelty of this research lies in performing structured risk assessment and establishing an aggregative food safety risk indicator. It provides a single value representing the risk rating which can be effectively employed in incorporating the safety objectives into operations planning. It can function as a part of practical food safety management tool and help managers to understand how the risk changes and transfers in a supply chain. It will therefore improve food safety and quality through integrating the risk control with supply chain management.