Enhancement of Hygiene and Safety in the Food Industry Through Digitalization With Blockchain Technology

The increasing demand for transparency, safety, and sustainability in the food industry necessitates the adoption of advanced digital technologies. Thus, this study aimed to examine the synergistic integration of the blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) as a transformative framework to enhance hygiene, safety, and operational efficiency throughout food supply chains. Hence, by ensuring end-to-end traceability, these technologies collectively mitigate food fraud, improve regulatory compliance, and foster environmentally responsible practices in fisheries and aquaculture. The paper highlights the capacity of the IoT for real-time data acquisition, the immutable record-keeping of the blockchain, and AI-driven predictive analytics in decision support. Furthermore, this study evaluates various mathematical and analytical models, including Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP), Branch and Efficiency (B&E), Simultaneous Data Envelopment Analysis (SDEA), Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimization, and Fuzzy DEMATEL, as practical tools for designing IoT-integrated blockchain systems. By addressing adoption barriers and future opportunities, this study highlights the critical role of regulatory alignment, cross-sector collaboration, and standardization in fostering a safer, more transparent, and sustainable food industry.