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Integrating Safety, Sustainability and Ethics in the Food Chain: An Interdisciplinary Framework Emphasizing Public Education and Consumer Awareness
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Fatemehsadat Mirmohammadmakki1    , Mahmoud Abbasi1 , Mahdi Shadnoush *2 |
1- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Industries, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (15 Views) |
Background and Aim: The modern food chain faces increasing challenges related to food safety incidents, environmental degradation, and persistent ethical concerns. Approaches focused solely on production growth or sanitary control is no longer sufficient to address the complexity of contemporary food systems. This study emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations alongside food safety and sustainability and highlights the role of public education in enhancing consumer awareness. The aim of this research is to examine how attention to ethical values, sustainable practices, and food safety principles can contribute to improving the overall quality and responsibility of the food chain.
Methods: This study employs a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature and internationally recognized guidelines related to food safety, sustainability, ethics, and consumer education. The selected sources were critically analyzed to identify recurring ethical challenges and existing gaps in food chain practices, with particular emphasis on consumer knowledge and awareness.
Ethical Considerations: The research was conducted in accordance with accepted ethical standards. Only credible and publicly available secondary sources were used, ensuring transparency and academic integrity. Ethical principles such as protection of public health, environmental responsibility, fairness among food chain actors, and consumers’ right to accurate and transparent information guided the analysis throughout the study.
Results: The findings indicate that insufficient attention to ethical aspects and consumer education reduces the effectiveness of food safety and sustainability efforts. Enhancing ethical awareness and improving public understanding of food-related issues can increase trust in the food system, encourage responsible consumption behaviors, and support more sustainable production practices. The results also highlight the practical importance of ethical and educational considerations for professionals involved in food chain activities.
Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing the current and future challenges of the food chain requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond technical regulations and production-oriented approaches. Integrating ethical considerations with food safety and sustainability, while strengthening consumer awareness through education, can significantly improve the quality, transparency, and resilience of food systems. These findings offer useful insights for managers and specialists seeking to promote more responsible and sustainable food chains. |
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| Keywords: Food Chain, Food Safety, Sustainability, Ethics in the Food Chain, Public Education and Consumer Awareness |
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Full-Text [PDF 662 kb]
(7 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review Article |
Received: 2025/08/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/17 | Published: 2025/11/5
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