Food safety is no longer just a regulatory requirement but has become a strategic competitive advantage.

The main global debates on food safety indicate an urgent transformation in the sector, requiring more practical action, integration between the links in the chain, and intelligent use of technology. This orientation was consolidated from the results and discussions of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Global Conference Vancouver 2026, presented last Thursday, April 9th, during the event “Food Safety – A Business for Everyone – Direct from the GFSI Global Conference Vancouver 2026”, held by SGS Brazil at the Renaissance Hotel in São Paulo. For Brazil, one of the world's largest exporters of food, proteins, and agro-industrial products, food safety has ceased to be merely a regulatory requirement and has become a strategic competitive advantage. In a scenario of greater sanitary rigor from markets such as Europe, the United States, and Asia, alignment with recognized international standards — such as the schemes approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) — is fundamental to reducing the risk of trade disruptions, strengthening the credibility of Brazilian origin, and sustaining access to high-value markets. International organizations such as the FAO highlight that exporting countries that invest in robust control systems, risk-based audits, and intelligent use of data are better positioned to anticipate regulatory requirements, respond to health crises, and preserve the trust of buyers and end consumers, especially in complex value chains such as those of Brazilian agribusiness. "The global movement indicates a consistent shift in the role of food safety. The issue is no longer treated merely as a compliance requirement but is taking on a strategic position, based on risk management, data analysis, and building trust throughout the entire value chain," emphasized Rubiana Enz, Business Manager at SGS Brazil. "Food safety is not theory, it's daily action." In a context of increasingly globalized supply chains, compliance with food safety standards is becoming a critical factor for market access and the continuity of exports. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 people worldwide fall ill annually due to consuming unsafe food, which equates to 600 million cases and more than 420,000 deaths per year, directly impacting consumer confidence and company reputation. From an economic standpoint, the FAO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) warn that food safety failures can result in border rejections, sanitary restrictions, and trade losses in a global food market worth approximately US$1.7 trillion annually, governed by increasingly stringent, risk-based regulations under the WTO's SPS Agreement. In this scenario, the ability to transform information into decisions becomes a competitive advantage. Data that does not generate action loses value and can represent a risk for companies. "Data without action becomes a liability," the executive emphasized, highlighting the need for faster, risk-oriented decisions. According to her, evolution can begin objectively and continuously, focusing on incremental improvements and measurable results. Technology, data, and culture as the basis of the new management. Digitalization is advancing as one of the main drivers of this transformation. More digital audits, the use of artificial intelligence, and solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT) expand the capacity for monitoring, traceability, and anticipation of risks throughout the chain. The tools already allow for tracking regulatory changes in real time, reducing dependence on manual controls, and supporting more assertive decisions. Solutions focused on risk management in complex chains, such as integrated platforms and intelligence applied to regulatory data, are beginning to gain ground and reduce the time between risk identification and decision-making. At the same time, the adoption of technologies incorporated into packaging and processes, capable of monitoring variables such as temperature, gases, and food storage conditions, is growing. This advancement contributes to greater transparency and communication with the consumer, especially in more mature markets. Despite technological evolution, the human factor remains central. The effectiveness of systems depends on organizational culture, team engagement, and decision-making capacity at operational levels. “Technology advances, but people are what guarantee safety,” stated Rubiana. Continuous training models, focusing on practice, frequency, and autonomy, are beginning to replace one-off, more theoretical training. :: Trust, transparency, and increased responsibility Consumer trust is consolidating as one of the sector's main assets. In a highly digital environment, how companies communicate directly impacts their reputation. The absence of a position, especially in critical situations, contributes to a loss of credibility and reinforces the need for greater transparency. Another relevant point is the expansion of responsibility throughout the chain. Food safety is not limited to industry and depends on the integrated performance of logistics, transportation, storage, retail, and distribution all the way to the final consumer. The so-called “last mile” plays a decisive role in delivering a safe product. This scenario demands greater collaboration between companies, government, and certification bodies, as well as data sharing and alignment of practices. Building credibility goes beyond simply complying with regulations and involves consistency, communication, and trust.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.