Welcome to the Machine: AI and Potential Implications for the Food Industry

AGG Food & Drug attorneys Alan Minsk, Cody Davis, Laura Dona, and Grace Gluck published an article in Food Safety Magazine discussing the growing use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the food industry, how it can benefit businesses, and what they can do to stay compliant with federal regulations.

Although Pink Floyd’s iconic single, “Welcome to the Machine,” was released 50 years ago, it is symbolic of today’s digital age as technology rapidly evolves, the attorneys explained. This holds true for the food industry, which has embraced the use of AI in daily operations to not only enhance quality but increase safety.

Advances in AI offer companies the possibilities to strengthen food manufacturers’ internal compliance, while machine learning is being implemented for quality management and preventative controls. In food safety plans, meanwhile, AI can be used to detect contamination, predict risks, and assess compliance with safety protocols.

FDA requires food facilities to implement and follow proper food safety plans, as well as maintain internal compliance and quality assurance obligations on food manufacturers. While the organization has not yet formalized AI-specific food safety regulations, facilities and manufacturers should aim to be as transparent and responsive as possible with their AI-powered systems.

“As AI continues to transform the modern commercial landscape, its potential to enhance food safety planning becomes increasingly promising,” the attorneys said. “Companies that say, ‘welcome to the machine,’ by integrating AI effectively into their food safety strategies should be better prepared to address future regulatory developments and become more effective in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.”

To read the full article, please click here.