The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) has released its Horizon Scanning Report (2020-2023) which includes insights from its members, for the future of the food sector.
Key findings from the report point to increasing food system complexity, especially concerning food regulation based on the UK exiting the EU and moving towards more devolved governance. This is likely to impact both the freedom to operate and the application of science and technology innovation by food organisations.
Additionally, IFST members agreed that dilution of food standards leading to quality issues, inadvertent mistakes and deliberate food fraud could all manifest in the coming three years without deliberate steps being taken to mitigate against such outcomes.
Concomitant system shocks of trade restrictions, economic downturn, EU exit impacting food standards and an increasingly non-harmonised food legislation landscape, alongside decades of underinvestment in UK enforcement and public analyst capacity and capability were viewed as major threats to ensuring food security for the UK and the food system as a whole.
Conversely, analytical test method capability and digital technologies were seen as opportunities to influence and impact innovation, food safety and regulatory compliance and address issues of food fraud. Limited access to skilled food technical professionals and decreased investment in technical resources by all types of organisations across the UK food system were considered barriers to leveraging these and other technology opportunities.
Given the timing of the initial survey and the sentiment of the respondents, the overwhelming conclusion was one of concern for the future of the food system. However, food professionals are confident they can continue to meet consumer demand and provide safe and nutritious choices.
Fit for the future
IFST sought the considered views of its membership to provide insight and foresight to support preparedness and to avoid disruption and maximise opportunities in the coming years – for IFST and stakeholders across the food system and will continue to repeat the horizon scanning exercise every two to three years.
The output of this horizon scanning activity provides IFST with a reference to inform and steer its priorities and activities in the coming months and years, so food professionals can be empowered to accomplish the transformations needed for the food system to be fit for the future.
Professor Dr John O’ Brien, chair of IFST’s External Advisory Group, commented: “Regular horizon scanning is indispensable to enable a proactive stance in dealing with new challenges and opportunities. IFST has a unique opportunity to use its members as eyes and ears on new developments in food science and technology. The expertise of the Institute has been used to interpret and structure the results of our recent horizon scan to provide a resource both for the membership and wider society.”
The report is downloadable from the IFST website via this link.
