Strategic food reserves storage, safety and risk minimization: Problems and perspectives

Background: The hunger problem is a significant issue arising from global challenges in the 21st century. It is a consequence of inadequate food safety and poor strategic food storage. This makes innovations and improvements in these areas particularly crucial, especially for developing countries and regions affected by military conflicts and natural disasters. Context and purpose of this study: We aimed to study carbonate limestone caves as potentially safe locations for constructing strategic food storage facilities. Results: The preliminary results from Magellan Cave (Magill Cave) in the Areni region of the Republic of Armenia indicate that the cave has suitable conditions for use as a potential site for strategic food storage, particularly for cereal grains. Biological studies have proved the absence of mesophilic microbes in rock minerals and in soil samples from its inner space. Additionally, psychrophilic microbes, thermophilic algae, and representatives of Cyanobionta were found in waters that meet underground hot springs. Chemical analyses revealed no toxic compounds in the rock minerals, poisonous gases, or radon accumulation. The radiation levels were also found to be safe. Conclusions: Physical, chemical, and biological research have demonstrated the absence of risk factors for health and food safety in Magellan Cave. No spoilage microbes or human pathogenic bacteria were found. Additionally, no fungi were detected. The results suggest that this cave could be a promising location for constructing underground food storage for strategic reserves. Keywords: Magellan Cave (Magill cave), underground constructions, food strategic reserve storage, biological safety, spoilage, psychrophilic microbes