The current landscape of food systems is characterized by intricate global networks, and ensuring food safety means managing risks throughout the entire supply chain. In today's context, stakeholders encompass all those engaged in the interlinked activities of cultivation, gathering, processing, packaging, transportation, storage, and the final sale of the food product. Importantly, a single stakeholder can assume different roles within the supply chain. Furthermore, it is highly probable that ingredients or raw materials originate from international sources. Within every phase of the journey from production to consumption, food must be evaluated for potential hazards.
Food companies sometimes encounter challenges to documenting their complete supply chains. Nevertheless, documenting the complexity of this supply chain is imperative for complying with federal and international food safety regulations, minimizing risks, and meeting consumers' food safety and transparency expectations in the supply chain.