Global missions and the critical needs of food science and technology

Review article, 2021

Background: Achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals has a critical reliance on the food chain at both a global and local level. The future contribution of the biological sciences to agriculture and human health has been widely recognised, but the enabling science and engineering underpinning food manufacturing and distribution has not been so thoroughly examined. Scope and approach: The challenges confronting Food Science and Technology are considered from a global perspective and routes to their solutions are expressed as Mission Statements requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. These encompass the introduction of novel raw materials; changes in Manufacturing, including process and systems engineering; waste reduction and product safety and traceability. Approaches to better health via improved diets are presented, including “Hidden Hunger” and affordable foods for the poor as well as the increasing role of advanced digital technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Key findings and conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that FS&T is a crucial knowledge base that will allow advances in Primary Production to be sustainably converted to better control of Health through Diet. The missions involve new greater interdisciplinary collaboration, and require development of new measurement science. The need for continuing investment in food science and technology is global, but its application will require different approaches in local regions. It is vital that continuous education and training is increased by both public and private sector investment. Consumers must also be engaged to increase their awareness of new technologies and their consequent benefits to food supply and healthier diets.