A food-safety expert explains why more recalls aren't necessarily a bad thing — and how AI plays a role (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent interview, food safety expert Willette M. Crawford highlighted the evolving role of AI in enhancing food safety measures, especially amid rising recalls. By leveraging AI, the food industry is moving from a reactive to a proactive stance in managing contamination risks. Crawford notes that while consumers may perceive an increase in food recalls as a deterioration of safety, it instead reflects improved capabilities in identifying potential risks thanks to AI's integration of large datasets and automation of workflows, allowing professionals to focus more on analysis rather than data retrieval. Significantly, AI tools are transforming outbreak detection processes through the use of whole-genome sequencing networks, streamlining the identification of pathogens and enabling quicker responses across state lines. However, Crawford emphasizes that successful implementation hinges on digitization before incorporating AI technologies. Many smaller companies face barriers due to costs and time required for AI system setup and validation. Moreover, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI usage in food safety poses a challenge in managing the complex, global nature of the food supply chain, where diverse standards and operational practices intersect.