Utilization of AI – reshaping the future of food safety, agriculture and food security – a critical review

Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology which harbors a suite of mechanisms that have the potential to be leveraged for reaping value across multiple domains. Lately, there is an increased interest in embracing applications associated with Artificial Intelligence to positively contribute to food safety. These applications such as machine learning, computer vision, predictive analytics algorithms, sensor networks, robotic inspection systems, and supply chain optimization tools have been established to contribute to several domains of food safety such as early warning of outbreaks, risk prediction, detection and identification of food associated pathogens. Simultaneously, the ambition toward establishing a sustainable food system has motivated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to strengthen food security. Given the myriad challenges confronting stakeholders in their endeavors to safeguard food security, Artificial Intelligence emerges as a promising tool capable of crafting holistic management strategies for food security. This entails maximizing crop yields, mitigating losses, and trimming operational expenses. AI models present notable benefits in efficiency, precision, uniformity, automation, pattern identification, accessibility, and scalability for food security endeavors. The escalation in the global trend for adopting alternative protein sources such as edible insects and microalgae as a sustainable food source reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and resilient food systems to address the challenges of population growth, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. Artificial Intelligence offers a range of capabilities to enhance food safety in the production and consumption of alternative proteins like microalgae and edible insects, contributing to a sustainable and secure food system.