Transforming food supply chains through digital tracking and monitoring technologies

Background: Perishable foods with a limited shelf life are vulnerable to spoilage and may pose safety risks if distributed or stored under improper conditions. As a result, substantial amounts of food are wasted throughout distribution chains and in households. Addressing this issue requires advanced technologies for tracking products and monitoring their shelf life. Scope and approach: This review examines the historical development of product tracking technologies (e.g., barcodes and QR codes) and shelf-life monitoring tools, including Time–Temperature Indicators (TTIs) and Freshness Indicators (FIs). It highlights recent efforts to integrate the two technologies, and explores emerging applications of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supply chain management. Key findings and conclusions: TTIs and FIs are effective tools for shelf-life monitoring. Their integration with product tracking systems can support traceability and real-time shelf-life assessment. Recent commercial products, such as QR-based indicators from Evigence and SpotSee, show practical use in cold chains for perishable products, including fresh produce and breast milk. However, challenges remain, including issues with data transmission, interpretation, privacy, consumer acceptance, and regulatory gaps. Addressing these challenges will need multidisciplinary collaboration in sensor development, food safety and quality, data communication, AI, consumer science, and regulation to build faster, more transparent, and efficient food supply chains.