--- title: "Food transparency: the quest for full supply-chain visibility" description: Explore the complexities of total food transparency - from traceability and ethics to digital tools and supply-chain visibility. image: https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg --- [CAREERS](https://www-dev.foodsconnected.com/careers/) [REGISTER](https://app.foodsconnected.com/Register.aspx) [YOUR ACCOUNT](https://app.foodsconnected.com/idsrv/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fidsrv%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%3Fredirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fapp.foodsconnected.com%252FLoginRedirect.aspx%26client_id%3Dcore%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Dcore%2520connected_api%2520offline_access%2520analytics_manager%26code_challenge_method%3DS256%26code_challenge%3Dy6zXsYnI20T4Zzc_s7HmDAt7OlhL2zujgcEkoUtd7sA%26state%3Dwomypx52%26prompt%3D) [![fc-logo](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Support%20site/fc-logo.svg "fc-logo")](http://foodsconnected.com) - [Our Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/compliance-management-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-and-quality-management-software/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/procurement-supply-chain/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/specifications-and-npd-software/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-management-software/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-software-reporting-tool/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solution](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software/) - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/?_gl=1*8p51p6*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY3NC41MS4wLjA.) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home?_gl=1*hrp5ae*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY4OC4zNy4wLjA.) [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo) ![The quest for total food transparency](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg) [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Food Safety & Quality](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/food-safety-quality) # The quest for total food transparency By [Chris Elliott](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/chris-elliott) 10/08/2021 [Back](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) The quest for total food transparency Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg) [Back to main blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/Blog%20Imagery%20%28PI%20AUTOMATED%29/Blog%20Headers/Understanding%20an%20agile%20approach%20to%20product%20lifecycle%20managementjpg.jpg)   Each day of each year the world’s food system must try to feed close to 8 billion people and the numbers grow by an estimated 81 million per year i.e. the entire population of the UK and Ireland with nearly 10 million to spare. It’s very important to try and contextualise the enormous challenge it is to ensure food security for the world’s population. Not only are we facing the massive rise in the numbers of mouths to feed but we also face the massive impacts of our changing climate on crop failures. I think it’s also important to highlight a number of ‘difficult’ facts about our food system and food transparency. Each year the United Nations estimate that [1 in 10 of the world’s population fall ill and over 420,000 die](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety#:~:text=An%20estimated%20600%20million%20%E2%80%93%20almost%201%20in,loss%20of%2033%20million%20healthy%20life%20years%20%28DALYs%29.) due to foodborne disease. ![Food Safety Stats](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_blog\)Picture%201.png?width=1381&name=_blog\)Picture%201.png) We also have the stark fact that somewhere between 30 and 40% of all food produced is wasted along the many value chains. Add to this that significant parts of food production are not conducted in a sustainable way and our soils and sources of fresh water are being badly depleted. An equally worrying fact is that criminals are exploiting people who work in the food system and modern day slavery and child labour are rife in some countries. The final and shocking statistic is that criminal elements are also responsible for massive fraud in our food system. The amount of money being made is believed to be equal to that made in the global heroin trade. I’ve outlined many reasons to be worried, indeed pessimistic. However there are many reasons to be optimistic. There are numerous projects underway or in planning stages to help address many of the issues I have highlighted. I do believe that the world’s food system is being looked at in a very different way now compared with just a few years ago. This is being undertaken by governments and companies but not least by us, consumers. More and more questions are being asked about our food; where does it come from? how is it produced? The answers to these questions are in many cases difficult, if not impossible, to answer (honestly). Our food system is, in the main, very opaque and some will say this is quite deliberate as if you don’t know the details they you don’t have to take responsibility for things that are wrong. For some time I have promoted the quest for the total transparency of our food system. I fully understand the difficulties and complexities of achieving this but just because something is hard to achieve does not mean it should not be attempted. In the words of Mark Twain; ‘it is never wrong to do the right thing’. I firmly believe that one of the tools that will make supply chains much more transparent is the application of digital technologies. There is already clear evidence that this is happening.  The ability to capture and analyse data from primary production to point of sale is a reality. This data capture is essential in terms of not only knowing where our food comes from but will also allow key calculations to be made. We can start to understand and influence a multiple of different factors that play key role in having a food system based on the principles of integrity. Our food should be safer, more authentic and increasingly nutritionally sound. We can ensure that it is produced in a sustainable way that also protects our environment. We can be surer that livestock are reared in the most ethically sound ways and that all those who work in the food supply chain are treated properly. Total transparency of the food system will be a win for many; from farmers to consumers. There will of course be those who prefer to retain the status quo of opaqueness for financial gain.  But let’s hope that while our food system flourishes they will become decreasingly influential and can be identified as the back actors. [![On-demandWebinar Promotional Artwork June23\_3-1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4895550/interactive-188954164792.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJlp8jLwgVtwVkWtG76en2HSuxhrGjde0aeO4Y0xPJ2VgUIZMJ06fSOkVDDg9Mr1ceOiWR19suWL7JA67xtwsCqU03NpdMxchInQ6EBmh39ojWGKdJM6O2R4aQcTFR3WgVC0Qeq1ku6wipQwCojooPll4E2ipBodGbxheLSw4RguezGf5%2Btb1to%2BlDVIPmkITQmMFfu2wMkXwIcZXDfOsPfqEcFnOg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188954164792&portalId=4895550)     ![Chris Elliott](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/CE%20Photo%20%5B6761%5D.jpg) ###### Chris Elliott Professor Chris Elliott has been a driving force behind implementing new food safety protocols in the UK. He led an independent review of the UK food system in the wake of the horsemeat scandal in 2013 and the FSA’s Food Crime Unit was set up on his recommendation. [mailto:marketing@foodsconnected.com](mailto:marketing@foodsconnected.com) [![Free AI report download](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Free%20AI%20report%20download.png "Free AI report download")](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/ai-agri-food-attitudes-adoption-ambitions-foods-connected) ##### Stay up to date ### Stay up to date ##### Browse Posts Popular Recent Archive [![NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1927957907%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [![The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2474442759.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [![Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1845178195%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [![A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2133827717%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [![The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2247276303.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [![Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics-blog-hero.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [![The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Why%20Protein%20Procurement%20Needs%20Real-Time%20Data%20Visibility%20blog%20hero%20image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [![AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/brcgs%20audit%20overlap%20shutterstock_2742316531.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [![Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide-hero-image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [![Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/FOODS%20CONNECTED%20AQUISTION%20-%20DESIGN%20ASSETS%20-%20AUGUST%202026.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) [Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) - [September 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/09) - [August 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/08) - [July 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/06) - [May 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/05) - [April 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/12) - [November 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/11) - [October 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/10) - [September 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/09) - [August 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/08) - [July 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/06) - [May 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/05) - [April 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/04) - [March 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/03) - [February 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/02) - [January 2025](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2025/01) - [December 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/12) - [November 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/11) - [October 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/10) - [September 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/09) - [August 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/08) - [July 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/07) - [June 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/06) - [May 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/05) - [April 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/04) - [March 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/03) - [February 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/02) - [January 2024](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2024/01) - [December 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/12) - [November 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/11) - [October 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/10) - [September 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/09) - [August 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/08) - [July 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/07) - [June 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/06) - [May 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/05) - [April 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/04) - [March 2023](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2023/03) - [December 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/12) - [November 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/11) - [October 2022](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/archive/2022/10) Sidebar ### Related Posts [![5 key findings on traceability in the food industry: a global snapshot](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2259314129%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) 11 min read [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Traceability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/traceability) [FSMA 204](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/fsma-204) [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) [EUDR](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/eudr) ##### [5 key findings on traceability in the food industry: a global snapshot](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 15/05/2024 Foods Connected spoke to 500 industry professionals across the US and the UK about traceability. Here's a first look at... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/5-key-findings-on-traceability-in-the-food-industry) [![The Global Food Supply Chain Under Pressure: Measuring the impact of the rising cost of goods](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20(16).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) 6 min read [Economy](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/economy) ##### [The Global Food Supply Chain Under Pressure: Measuring the impact of the rising cost of goods](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 01/03/2023 Global food supply chains have faced momentous challenges in recent years. [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/measuring-the-impact-of-the-rising-cost-of-goods) [![Foods Connected is updating: a platform built for your future](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Modernisation%20Landing%20Page%20(for%20review)%20(5).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) 1 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) [Digital Transformation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/digital-transformation) ##### [Foods Connected is updating: a platform built for your future](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 27/03/2026 This year Foods Connected is getting its biggest upgrade yet. We are modernising our tech and delivering significant... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-is-updating-a-platform-built-for-your-future) [![The numbers don't lie: what AI is actually delivering for food manufacturers](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Analytics%20Manager%20update-1.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) 5 min read [Data & Reporting](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/data-reporting) [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) [Expert Insights](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/expert-insights) ##### [The numbers don't lie: what AI is actually delivering for food manufacturers](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 12/06/2026 49% of food manufacturers are using AI according to our research\*. We take a stat-led look at what that means for the... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/what-ai-is-actually-delivering-for-food-manufacturers) [![Foods Connected launches new experience Supplier Manager app](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Big%20Beta%20breaskfast%20header.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) 2 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) [Digital Transformation](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/digital-transformation) ##### [Foods Connected launches new experience Supplier Manager app](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) By [Foods Connected team](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/foods-connected-team) on 19/05/2026 After a successful pilot program, Foods Connected has launched its Beta roll-out, starting with its most widely-used... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/foods-connected-launches-new-supplier-manager-app) [![Why ESG and sustainability should be prioritised in the food industry amid economic uncertainty](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/BLOG%20HEADERS%20-%20Correct%20Size%20(17).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink) 6 min read [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Economy](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/economy) ##### [Why ESG and sustainability should be prioritised in the food industry amid economic uncertainty](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 29/03/2023 The cost of living crisis has significantly impacted consumer priorities. More than half of households (57%) report... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/esg-and-sustainability-in-food-and-drink) [![Crustacean Compassion's Snapshot 2025: everything you need to know about the new crustacean welfare report](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/crustacean%20compassion%20report_%20shutterstock_2377756843.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) 7 min read [Industry News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/industry-news) [Regulations](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/regulations) ##### [Crustacean Compassion's Snapshot 2025: everything you need to know about the new crustacean welfare report](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) By [Charlotte Maddocks](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/charlotte-maddocks) on 27/03/2026 The new Snapshot 2025 report from Crustacean Compassion was released on March 25 2026. Our Agriculture, Welfare &... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/crustacean-compassions-snapshot-2025-benchmark-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-crustacean-welfare-report) [![Allergen management in QSR: 3 ways to keep your supply chain safe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Allergen%20Management-3%20key%20ways.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) 16 min read [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Allergen Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/allergen-management) ##### [Allergen management in QSR: 3 ways to keep your supply chain safe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) By [Matthew Broadbent](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/matthew-broadbent) on 08/05/2025 Allergens and more specifically, the management of them in the supply chain is one of the biggest challenges that faces... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/allergen-management-in-qsr) [![Meet the team with Dr Fiona Roberts, Technical Supply Chain Analyst](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Social%20Post%20Images/temple%20grandin%20visit%202024%2007.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/employee-spotlight-a-chat-with-fiona-roberts-our-animal-welfare-specialist-and-supply-chain-analyst) 8 min read [Animal Welfare](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/animal-welfare) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) ##### [Meet the team with Dr Fiona Roberts, Technical Supply Chain Analyst](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/employee-spotlight-a-chat-with-fiona-roberts-our-animal-welfare-specialist-and-supply-chain-analyst) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 07/07/2021 We recently caught up with Dr Fiona Roberts, Technical Supply Chain Analyst and resident Animal Welfare Specialist at... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/employee-spotlight-a-chat-with-fiona-roberts-our-animal-welfare-specialist-and-supply-chain-analyst) [![Meet the team with Keith Cole](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/Keith%20Cole%20Hi%20Res%20(1).png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) 2 min read [Company News](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/company-news) ##### [Meet the team with Keith Cole](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) By [Natalie Thorpe](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/natalie-thorpe) on 25/04/2023 We caught up with Keith Cole this month, President of Sales, North America at Foods Connected. Keith recently joined... [Continue Reading](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/meet-the-team-keith-cole) ### Stay up to date [![footer-logo-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/footer-logo-1.svg "footer-logo-1")](http://foodsconnected.com) ![](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mintec@4x-8.png)  ![footerawardlogos-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/footerawardlogos-1.png?width=340&height=167&name=footerawardlogos-1.png)  ![Deliotte2022\_Top50-1](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Deliotte2022_Top50-1.jpg?width=340&height=162&name=Deliotte2022_Top50-1.jpg)   ###### Company - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home) - [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo/) - [Careers](https://www.foodsconnected.com/careers/) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) ###### Solutions - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-compliance-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-audits-quality-management/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-procurement-management-software/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-specifications-npd/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-supply-chain-sustainability/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/reporting-analytics/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-management-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software-solutions/) ###### Contact Us - Ground Floor, Old City Factory, Patrick Street, Londonderry, BT48 7EL - [info@foodsconnected.com](mailto:info@foodsconnected.com) ###### Locations Derry | Belfast | Sydney - [Privacy Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Modern Slavery Act](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Modern-Slavery-and-Human-Trafficking-Statement-2021.pdf) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/cookie-policy) - [Diversity and Inclusion Policy](https://www.foodsconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Diversity-Inclusion-Policy.pdf) © 2025 Foods Connected. All rights reserved. - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : [ "Global food system challenges", "Why transparency matters for food safety and ethics", "The role of digital technologies in supply-chain visibility", "Traceability, sustainability and fraud prevention", "Pathways towards total food transparency" ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Chris Elliott" }, "dateModified" : "2021-08-10", "datePublished" : "2021-08-10", "description" : "This article examines the challenge of achieving full transparency in global food supply chains — covering traceability, ethical sourcing, food safety, fraud risk and the role of digital technologies.", "headline" : "The Quest For Total Food Transparency", "image" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/path-to-food-transparency-header.jpg", "keywords" : [ "food transparency", "supply chain visibility food industry", "traceability food", "ethical sourcing food", "food fraud risk" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-quest-for-total-food-transparency", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/foodsconnected-logo.png" }, "name" : "Foods Connected" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Total food transparency refers to visibility across the entire supply chain—from production and processing to distribution and retail—allowing stakeholders to trace origin, methods and responsible practices." }, "name" : "What does total food transparency mean?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Challenges include complex multi-tiered supply chains, inconsistent data capture, varying global regulations, and deliberate opacity by some actors seeking to hide malpractice." }, "name" : "Why is transparency in the food system so challenging?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Technologies such as IoT sensors, blockchain, cloud-based platforms and analytics enable real-time data capture, sharing and verification across supply-chain nodes, increasing traceability and trust." }, "name" : "How do digital technologies support food transparency?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Benefits include stronger food safety, reduced fraud, improved ethical sourcing, heightened consumer trust and better compliance with regulations." }, "name" : "What are the benefits of greater transparency in food supply chains?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Steps include mapping supply-chain tiers, standardising data capture, collaborating with suppliers, investing in digital tools and auditing practices to build a culture of visibility and integrity." }, "name" : "What steps can food businesses take toward transparency?" } ] } ```