KER1: Helping consumers to make informed food choices

Interview with François Bourdichon on the strategic role of food safety specialists

François Bourdichon explains how Food Safety Specialists prevent risks, protect consumers and brands, and balance safety with economic constraints. The role requires technical expertise, communication, and proactive problem-solving in food production.

Using nuclear science to fight food fraud and protect supply chains

Nuclear isotopes help verify the origin and production conditions of foods, adding security beyond paper-trail certifications. This approach strengthens trust, prevents fraud, and protects both consumers and reputable producers.

Counting the cost of malnutrition – IFAD Podcast Episode 48

his episode explores global nutrition challenges with insights from IFAD experts. Topics include obesity, the effects of food inflation, indigenous nutrition issues in Guyana, and the benefits of sorghum for rural farmers. Guests include Ilaria Bianchi, Joyce Njoro, Nadine Gbossa, Isabel De La Peña, Chef Walter El-Nagar, and Moses Abukari.

Dr. Isabelle Guelinckx on advancing allergen risk assessment at Food Allergy Forum

At the third Food Allergy Forum in Amsterdam, Dr. Isabelle Guelinckx, Executive Director of ILSI Europe, discusses with Dr. Bert Popping the outcomes of the ILSI Europe Food Allergen Task Force’s workshop on quantitative risk assessment. She highlights their multi-year effort to build consensus on allergen labeling and risk assessment methods, the creation of a comprehensive guidance document, and the launch of a new community of practice to continue collaboration, updates, and peer exchange across stakeholders.

KER2: Building sustainable supply chains

Chocolate industry’s bitter truth exposed on Last Week Tonight

John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight uncovers exploitation in the chocolate supply chain, revealing child labor, poverty, and environmental harm behind major brands. The episode highlights cocoa farmers’ struggles in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the industry’s broken promises, and the need for legislation to ensure fair pay and ethical sourcing.

A tuna fishery overcomes challenges to achieve MSC sustainability certification

Echebastar spent years improving fishing practices to meet MSC standards, facing objections over harvest rules and FAD use. They adopted technology to reduce bycatch, protect endangered species, and develop biodegradable FADs. Their certification reflects a commitment to sustainable tuna fisheries and ongoing environmental improvement.

What will we eat in 2050 ?

By 2050, the world population may reach 10 billion, straining land, water, and food systems. Agriculture already occupies half of habitable land and produces significant greenhouse gases, while malnutrition and obesity affect 30% and 40% of people, respectively. Solutions include improving crop yields, reducing animal product consumption, cutting food waste, and restoring nature. This video is the resulted of a cooperation between scientists of KU Leuven and Wageningen University

Olive supply crisis drives surge in food fraud worldwide

Diseases and droughts have sharply reduced olive harvests in Europe, driving up prices and triggering widespread fraud in olive oil and other olive products. Incidents include theft, mislabeling, and blending with cheaper oils, with authorities cracking down globally. Businesses are urged to source from reputable vendors and monitor quality to avoid counterfeit products.

KER3: Implementing innovative technologies

TotalCtrl launches digital stock count feature for faster inventory control

TotalCtrl introduces a Stock Count feature that digitizes manual inventory processes. The tool allows users to count items, update quantities, and generate automatic reports. It improves accuracy, saves time and labor costs, and offers real-time insights for better business decisions.

F4F interview: technology empowers transparency in the food supply chain

Vincent Rosso, Co-founder of Consentio, explains how their platform allows producers to share detailed information about fruits and vegetables directly with buyers. This transparency helps consumers understand food origins, environmental impact, and supports more informed purchasing. The approach aims to connect technology, innovation, and sustainability across the food industry.

Transforming food safety with AI and digital traceability

Lydia Adams interviews Steven Ross Glass from JustEatTakeaway.com on how digital innovation and AI are reshaping food safety management across e-commerce. He highlights advanced allergen control, fraud detection, and the use of traceability technology to protect consumers and ensure transparency from farm to fork.

Watson EU Horizon Europe project introduces innovative food safety solutions

The Watson project, funded by Horizon Europe, develops AI-driven tools to enhance food safety, traceability, and risk assessment across the EU food chain. This teaser video offers an overview of its mission and collaborative research efforts.

KER4: Following the food system approach

Hidden costs of food reveal pathways to transform agrifood systems

FAO’s 2023 report highlights the true cost of food, including environmental, health, and social impacts often ignored in market prices. True cost accounting (TCA) helps measure these hidden costs, guiding policies for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems. Addressing them could benefit people, the planet, and global economies.

Dr. Francesca Zampollo shares expertise in food design and innovation

Dr. Francesca Zampollo is a Food Design researcher, consultant, and educator promoting the Food Design Thinking methodology. She leads the Online School of Food Design, the International Food Design Society, and the International Journal of Food Design. Her work bridges design theory, system thinking, and practical applications for companies, schools, and professionals.

IFPRI video on tackling the hidden costs of global food systems

Food systems feed the world and support over a billion livelihoods, but they also carry hidden costs—environmental, health, and social—estimated at $10 trillion annually. Experts discuss strategies to reduce these impacts and promote sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food systems.

Blaues Brot audio documentary explores the food system

A new 20-episode German-language audio documentary, Blaues Brot, funded by Adalbert-Raps-Stiftung and Cluster Ernährung, investigates each step of the food supply chain to envision a better, more sustainable system.