Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has announced the development of a new artificial intelligence model designed to enhance food safety and quality, thereby helping to reduce food waste. This model was developed by the Future Ready Food Safety Centre (FRESH@NTU) in collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Trials with supermarket chains are anticipated to commence in the second half of 2026.
The new model can predict how bacteria grow in various types of food, assisting retailers in determining product shelf life, storage conditions, and inventory management more effectively. For instance, researchers can track the growth of Salmonella bacteria, which is considered one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses globally, on food items over time.
Event Details
Dr. Youssef Azki, a researcher at the FRESH@NTU Centre, stated that the goal is to simulate storage conditions to monitor bacterial growth and collect the necessary data. This data is used to train machine learning models, resulting in the creation of accurate models that can be utilized in the market.
Singapore imports 90% of its food, making accurate tracking of food shelf life critical. This model could help reduce the need for frequent stock replacements, thereby decreasing food waste and reducing reliance on continuous imports, according to observers.
Background & Context
Food waste is a pressing global issue, with an estimated one-third of food produced worldwide wasted annually. In this context, many countries are striving to develop new technologies to improve food supply chain management. The model developed by NTU is considered a significant step toward achieving this goal, especially given the challenges countries face in securing their food supplies.
The importance of innovations in food safety is increasing, particularly in light of global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for safer and more effective food systems. The new model could contribute to enhancing these systems by providing accurate data on food safety.
Impact & Consequences
The new model could revolutionize how food safety is managed, as it can help retailers make more precise decisions about when to dispose of products. This could reduce food waste and contribute to improving the efficiency of business operations.
Furthermore, the model may assist in reducing energy consumption for supermarket operators and cold storage facilities. With rising energy costs and global pressures, reducing energy consumption is a priority for the food industry.
Regional Significance
Arab countries face significant challenges in food security, with many relying on imports to meet their food needs. Arab nations could benefit from innovations like the model developed by NTU to enhance food supply chain management and reduce waste.
Thus, the application of artificial intelligence technologies in monitoring food quality could help bolster food security in the region, contributing to achieving food sustainability.