THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF ASSESSING STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS OF FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY ACROSS THE FOOD VALUE CHAIN

Aim: This study aims to assess the critical importance of stakeholder awareness of food safety and security across the food value chain. A lack of awareness can hinder the development of sustainable agriculture; there­fore, this research explores why awareness of food safety and security is essential for different stakeholders in the food value chain. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using content analysis to investigate the level of awareness among various stakeholders, from farmers to consumers, regarding food safety and security. The review focused on identifying key factors that influence stakeholder engagement and awareness throughout the food value chain. Results: The analysis revealed that stakeholder awareness of food safety and security significantly enhances food safety measures, promotes sustainability, ensures regulatory compliance, and improves overall efficiency. It also reduces waste, strengthens consumer trust, builds brand loyalty, and addresses global food challenges. Additionally, the study found that the awareness of farmers at the early stages of the food value chain is as important as that of end-stage players, such as food service workers and consumers. Conclusions: Understanding the level of awareness of food safety and security among stakeholders is crucial for promoting sustainability, improving food safety, and ensuring regulatory adherence across the food value chain. Enhancing awareness, particularly at the farming stage, is vital for improving the overall effectiveness of food safety and security initiatives.