Title : Artificial intelligence and smart food packaging for real-time food safety monitoring: Opportunities and challenges in developing countries
Abstract:
Food safety remains a major global concern, particularly in developing countries where inadequate storage infrastructure, limited monitoring systems, and inefficient food supply chains can increase the risk of food spoilage and contamination. Conventional food safety monitoring methods may not always provide timely information about changes in food quality during storage and transportation. Emerging technologies, including artificial Intelligence (AI), intelligent sensors, and smart packaging, offer promising opportunities to improve food safety monitoring and reduce food waste.
This review aims to explore the potential applications of AI-enabled smart packaging for real-time monitoring of food quality and safety. Particular attention will be given to intelligent labels, freshness indicators, sensor-based monitoring systems, and machine-learning approaches for detecting quality changes in perishable foods. The review will examine how these technologies may support early spoilage detection, improve traceability, reduce unnecessary food disposal, and strengthen consumer confidence. Their potential application in developing countries, including Pakistan, will also be considered, with emphasis on affordability, infrastructure requirements, data reliability, and practical implementation challenges.
By critically evaluating existing scientific literature and technological limitations, this review aims to identify opportunities for developing accessible, sustainable, and cost-effective food monitoring systems. The review may help guide future research and support the adoption of innovative food safety technologies across developing food supply chains.
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Smart Packaging, Food Safety, Freshness Indicators, Food Quality Monitoring, Food Waste Reduction.
