Emerging Risks in Asia’s Food Safety and Security System

Rapid urbanization, population development, and climate change endanger Asia's food safety and security. These conditions strain food systems, increasing the danger of microbiological, chemical, and physical contamination across the supply chain. Climate change effects and rising demand for processed foods all increase food safety issues in the region.

As Asia is the world's most populous region and a major agricultural producer, ensuring safe food is critical for public health and economic stability. Experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasize the need for more robust regulatory measures and innovations to address these issues across the food supply chain. Globally, unsafe food causes an estimated 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year, resulting in a loss of 33 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). In the Southeast Asia region alone, there are approximately 150 million illnesses, 175,000 deaths, and 12 million DALYs lost, according tothe World Health Organization (WHO).

Figure 1: Facts and Figures of Foodborne Diseases

Source: WHO

The Asian food system is increasingly under pressure due to rapid industrialization, climate change, and extensive use of agricultural inputs. Microbial contamination from pathogens like Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli is prevalent due to poor hygiene and inadequate food handling in production facilities. FAO insights show that these microbial contaminants are responsible for many foodborne diseases that can impact public health.

A recent example of how climate change adversely affects agricultural supply chains is the flooding in Bangladesh, which has destroyed an estimated 1.1 million metric tons (mmt) of rice, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. As Reuters reported, this flooding has compelled the country to increase grain imports amid rising food prices. Overall agricultural losses from the floods are estimated at around USD 380 million (BDT 45 billion).

Figure 2: Damaged Crops in Bangladesh’s Sherpur District

Source: The Strait Times, PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Government and Industry Response

Several Asian countries have implemented more rigorous food safety regulations to combat these threats. For instance, China and Japan have developed stringent protocols for monitoring agricultural production and imports, ensuring adherence to international food safety standards. In 2009, China enacted its first food safety law, which included imposing fines on violators and coordinating safety measures throughout the entire food supply chain. Tridge previously analyzed China’s Food Safety Law and reasons for rejecting imported food, emphasizing the increased number of shipments labeled as unsafe to enter the Chinese market.

Japan's food safety regulations are among the strictest in the world, guided by the Food Sanitation Law of 1947 and the Food Safety Basic Law enacted in 2003. These laws emphasize a science-based approach to risk assessment and management, supported by rigorous inspection systems and continuous updates to address emerging food safety concerns.

Additionally, South Korea is enhancing its food safety framework by integrating digital solutions like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve traceability systems and monitor supply chain transparency, according to aWorld Bank Document. This technology allows producers and regulators to track products from farm to table, reducing the risk of contamination at various stages. Numerous public and private companies in South Korea are using AI and blockchain, like BlockOdyssey, KL Net, and NDS, to help mitigate supply chain risks and provide transparency and traceability.

Industry Best Practices and Solutions

Private companies are also stepping up efforts to improve food safety. Multinational food processors such as Nestlé and Unilever have developed robust quality assurance systems across their Asian supply chains. For example, Nestlé has prioritized sustainable food production practices by implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) with over 80% of its suppliers across key Asian countries, including India, China, and Vietnam. These initiatives focus on improving resource efficiency, supporting local farming communities, and reducing environmental impact, reinforcing Nestlé's commitment to sustainable growth in Asia's critical agricultural markets. Unilever reported that 100% of its Asian factories are now Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified, contributing to safer food production in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Looking Forward: A Collaborative Approach

As Asian food manufacturers and retailers face challenges and the impacts of various factors threatening supply chains, it is vital to have a holistic approach. All stakeholders, government, private sector, and consumers must adopt more stringent measures to ensure food safety and, at the same time, implement innovations and new technologies to achieve sustainability and an environment-friendly food industry.