20�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM TECHNOLOGY FOCUS By Hernando Ramírez-Santos A rtifcial intelligence is no longer a distant concept in the food industry, it is rapidly becoming a necessity. Te AI in food safety and quality control market is projected to hit $13.7 billion by 2030, according to new data from BCC Research. Fueled by stricter regulations, consumer de- mand for transparency, and advances in predictive technology, the market is expected to expand at an annual grow- th rate of 30.9% from 2025 to 2030. Tis explosive growth highlights how AI is transforming everything from contamination detection to su- pply chain traceability. By replacing outdated testing and inspection methods with real-time, automated systems, companies gain the ability to prevent crises instead of reacting to them. As food safety cha- llenges mount, AI stands out as a ga- me-changing tool for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike. At the same time, the rise of digital tools like machine learning, robotics, and computer vision is accelerating adoption across industries ranging from meat and dairy to packaged foods. Tese technologies not only streamline compliance but also reduce costs and waste, making AI adoption a strategic priority for food producers worldwide. Rising Demand for AI Monitoring Rising foodborne illness outbreaks continue to make safety a priority. Pa- thogens such as Salmonella and E. coli remain persistent threats. To counter them, AI-powered plat- forms analyze lab results, sensor data, and environmental conditions. By identifying contamination early, the- se systems allow food manufacturers to act faster and prevent large-scale recalls. According to BCC Research, more than 60% of AI adoption in food pro- duction now focuses on real-time ins- pection and contamination detection. Tis shift highlights a move away from traditional batch testing toward auto- mated, continuous safety systems. AI Transforms Food Safety and Traceability Continues on page 22