Summary
This PRISMA-compliant systematic review examines how digital twin-centred integration of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, AI, blockchain) can transform bacterial pathogen control within ISO 22000-based food safety management systems. Whilst individual technologies have demonstrated capacity for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and rapid traceability, empirical applications remain limited and largely fragmented across logistics and authenticity rather than pathogen-focused HACCP implementation. The authors argue that a convergent DT-centred framework addressing data interoperability, cybersecurity, validation protocols, and regulatory alignment could enable proactive rather than reactive risk management.
Regional applicability
The findings are internationally applicable and relevant to United Kingdom food businesses operating under ISO 22000 and HACCP frameworks, particularly larger processors and retailers seeking digitalisation of safety verification. However, implementation will require alignment with UK Food Standards Agency guidance on validation of novel monitoring technologies and data governance under UK data protection law.
Key measures
Integration capability of digital twins, IoT, AI, and blockchain for real-time pathogen monitoring; contamination simulation; risk detection and assessment; traceability speed; critical control point monitoring; implementation barriers and enablers
Outcomes reported
The review evaluates the potential of a unified digital twin-centred framework integrating IoT sensing, AI-driven predictive analytics, and blockchain-enabled traceability for pathogen-focused food safety management systems (FSMS). It identifies implementation challenges including data synchronisation, interoperability, validation, cybersecurity, costs, and regulatory alignment.
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