From farm to fork: Enhancing meat traceability and safety with intelligent packaging

The increasing global demand for safe and high-quality meat products has led to the development of intelligent packaging solutions that integrate advanced sensors, data carriers, and responsive indicators to ensure quality control, enhance traceability, and minimize waste. This review explores the latest innovations in intelligent packaging, focusing on indicator-based systems that monitor key parameters, such as temperature, pH, humidity, and gas composition. This study critically evaluated the role of smart sensors in mitigating microbial contamination, extending shelf life, and reducing food loss across the supply chain. Special emphasis is placed on sustainable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging materials that align with the global sustainability goals. Additionally, challenges such as cost constraints, sensor stability, and the need for standardized safety regulations are discussed. This study provides insights into the future trajectory of intelligent packaging technologies, emphasizing their potential for transforming the meat industry by improving food security, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability.