ENHANCING FRESHNESS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON QUALITY CONTROL IN THE FRESH FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

Abstract

Fresh food plays a pivotal role in daily nutrition, and its consumption has exhibited a significant upward trajectory in China over recent years. From 2016 to 2022, the per capita consumption of key fresh agricultural products witnessed a notable surge, escalating from 209.1kg to 245.6kg. This growth trend, evident in Figure 1, underscores the increasing significance of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, aquatic products, dairy products, and poultry eggs in the Chinese diet, with a growth rate surpassing 15% [1].

Amidst this surge in fresh food consumption, the issues of quality and safety have emerged as paramount concerns. Heightened awareness of personal health and a growing focus on food quality underscore the critical need to address the assurance of fresh food quality. As per the National Bureau of Statistics data, the per capita consumption of various fresh agricultural products has shown a consistent upward trajectory, indicative of a burgeoning demand for high-quality fresh food [1][2].

Nevertheless, the fresh food supply chain in China grapples with multifaceted challenges that pose threats to its quality and safety standards. The unique characteristics of fresh food, such as susceptibility to spoilage and time-sensitive freshness, demand stringent standards in storage, transportation, and processing. The extensive distribution networks, often spanning long distances, elevate the risks associated with maintaining quality and safety standards. Issues related to freshness degradation frequently arise during the supply process, necessitating urgent attention to quality control within the fresh food supply chain [3].

In light of these challenges, this paper delves into a comprehensive exploration of the quality control intricacies within the fresh food supply chain. By analyzing the complexities associated with storage, transportation, and processing, the study aims to offer insights into mitigating risks and enhancing the overall quality assurance framework. The findings presented herein are poised to contribute valuable knowledge to the ongoing discourse on fresh food quality and safety in the evolving landscape of China's food consumption patterns.