Global trends and research hotspots on HACCP and modern quality management systems in the food industry

The concept of food waste and food loss prevention and measuring tools

Food waste (FW) has become a global concern, with an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes lost annually, costing about $1 trillion. Environmental and social consequences of FW are significant, contributing to 6% of European Unions' greenhouse gasemissions and affecting global food security. FW occurs is a complex issue occurring at various stages of the food supply chain (FSC) and is influenced by multiple factors such as infrastructure, available knowledge and socio-economic conditions. Developed countries FW is more prevalent at the consumption stage, whereas in the developing countries losses occur in agricultural production, post-harvest and distribution stage. Accurate quantification of FW across the supply chain is crucial and monitoring key performance indicators helps identify areas for improvement. The European Union mandates FW measurement, aligning with sustainable development goals, emphasizing the need for effective waste prevention measures. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach was utilized to conduct a systematic literature review on FW key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring tools. The research identified 22 KPIs, categorized into three levels of the FSC: primary, secondary and tertiary. The most common KPIs included FW per capita, FW per portion and FW percentage. The study further discusses FW prevention measures and essential monitoring tools for addressing FW throughout the supply chain.

Exploring Key Barriers of HACCP Certification Adoption in the Meat Industry: A Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Approach

Food safety management represents an important concern in contemporary society. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is a crucial tool for meat producers, preventing and controlling major food safety concerns in the process. This research investigates key barriers to HACCP implementation in the meat industry, employing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model to identify and categorize these obstacles. Using the insights of 18 experts, a cause-and-effect relationship diagram is generated through which twelve barriers are categorized in terms of their cause and effect and then analyzed. Threshold value is calculated as 0.299. The findings reveal poor management as the primary impediment, followed by challenges in training, knowledge, and dedication. Categorizing the barriers into four groups emphasizes the critical role of effective management and human resources. The study contributes valuable insights to food safety management literature, serving as a practical resource for industry practitioners. Despite limitations in relying on expert opinions and the industry-specific focus, the research lays a foundation for informed decision-making, stressing the importance of effective management in successful HACCP implementation. Future research directions include diversifying geographical representation, exploring practical solutions, and integrating emerging technologies for a better understanding of HACCP adoption challenges.

Data-driven analysis of Romania's renewable energy landscape and investment uncertainties

In recent years, there has been a significant transformation in the energy sector in the European Union as a whole. The shift towards producing renewable energy has had a significant impact on the economic development of most countries, requiring substantial investments through public procurement. This study aims to analyse the evolution of the energy sector in Romania from an economic perspective by using a data-driven approach. The data used in this research is collected from publicly available sources and pertains to energy production and public acquisitions in Romania, carried out through the Electronic Public Procurement System. By using a mixed approach, combining documentary analysis, literature review, and predictive modelling, the study reveals a shift towards more sustainable energy options. There is a significant decrease in the production of thermal power and an increase in solar and wind power. The findings provide an overview and potential scenario of Romania's electricity production levels in 2023, shedding light on the relative uncertainties associated with such a transition. The findings also suggest a clear and growing commitment in Romania towards the adoption of alternative energy sources, as reflected in the trends of public procurement. These procurement trends offer a valuable perspective on policy-making, investment planning, and progress monitoring in Romania's energy transition. Despite the inherent uncertainties in such a transition, the study demonstrates Romania's potential in terms of diverse sources for electricity production as well as the role of public procurement in achieving energy transformation.

Flexible Sensing Enabled Nondestructive Detection on Viability/Quality of Live Edible Oyster

Environmental and physiological fluctuations in the live oyster cold chain can result in reduced survival and quality. In this study, a flexible wireless sensor network (F-WSN) monitoring system combined with knowledge engineering was designed and developed to monitor environmental information and physiological fluctuations in the live oyster cold chain. Based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan to identify the critical control points (CCPs) in the live oyster cold chain, the F-WSN was utilized to conduct tracking and collection experiments in real scenarios from Yantai, Shandong Province, to Beijing. The knowledge model for shelf-life and quality prediction based on environmental information and physiological fluctuations was established, and the prediction accuracies of TVB-N, TVC, and pH were 96%, 85%, and 97%, respectively, and the prediction accuracy of viability was 96%. Relevant managers, workers, and experts were invited to participate in the efficiency and applicability assessment of the established system. The results indicated that combining F-WSN monitoring with knowledge-based HACCP modeling is an effective approach to improving the transparency of cold chain management, reducing quality and safety risks in the oyster industry, and promoting the sharing and reuse of HACCP knowledge in the oyster cold chain.