The food industry has navigated nearly two years of COVID-related changes, including auditing shifts, supply chain disruptions, price hikes, and staffing shortages. Now, I predict positive changes are coming this year, as the industry focuses on strengthening the supply chain and prioritizing information-gathering to boost safety and quality efforts. Another key trend for 2022 is that tech solutions will become more affordable and accessible for food businesses of all sizes.
While the pandemic has been extraordinarily disruptive to food businesses, there are some silver linings that have emerged from the chaos. For one, we’ve changed the way we’re auditing food businesses due to COVID-related restrictions, and now the process is much more collaborative – and less punitive – than the way we’ve historically audited. This helps employees feel much more engaged and involved in food safety efforts, and more personally invested in ensuring positive outcomes.