By Cath Isabedra In the quiet orchards of New Zealand, a revolution is brewing—one that doesn't rely on sight or touch, but on smell. Scentian Bio, a biotechnology company led by CEO Jonathan Good and founded by scientist Dr. Andrew Kralicek, is pioneering a way to digitize smell using insect olfaction. This breakthrough may soon change how the food industry approaches ripeness, contamination, and sustainability—starting with the humble kiwifruit. From destructive to … [Read more...] about Smelling the future: How insect-inspired tech is redefining food safety and ripeness detection
Insight
The hidden fragility of food safety — and the urgency to reinvent the system
By Cath Isabedra Behind the well-stocked shelves and seemingly seamless supply chains, the global food system is facing a quiet crisis. In 2024, food recalls surged dramatically, largely due to preventable bacterial contamination. It’s no longer surprising that consumers are asking harder questions, regulators are tightening their grip, and companies are waking up to the reality that the status quo is no longer good enough. The real question isn’t whether food safety can be improved … [Read more...] about The hidden fragility of food safety — and the urgency to reinvent the system
Passing the baton: Safeguarding microbial safety across the food chain
Words By Chitra Muthiah, Operations and Resource Manager FMCG, Supply Chain & Product Assurance, DNV Imagine the food supply chain as a relay race. Each stage hands over the baton of safety to the next. If just one person fumbles, the entire outcome is at risk. Microbial safety is that baton. It is not just a technical checkbox. It is a strategic responsibility that requires foresight, teamwork, and care at every step. After more than twenty years working alongside food … [Read more...] about Passing the baton: Safeguarding microbial safety across the food chain
