Research project examines food safety risks in Oman’s supply chains

MUSCAT: A research project conducted in Oman has examined the impact of food safety risks on supply-chain performance and developed a framework aimed at strengthening the safety, resilience and sustainability of the country’s food supply chains.
The project, titled “The Framework to Address the Impact of Food Safety Risks (FSR) on the Performance of Supply Chains,” was led by Dr Reason Masengu, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Department of Management Studies at Middle East College, and was funded by the Strategic Research Programme of the Research and Innovation Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Dr Masengu examined how food traceability, information technology, regulatory compliance, food safety requirements, risk management, data accuracy, supply-chain collaboration and predictive analytics influence the performance of food supply chains in Oman. The study aimed to move beyond individual food safety controls by developing a more integrated, technology-enabled approach to managing risks throughout the supply chain. The research combined statistical analysis with reviews of existing studies and conceptual research.
Among its key findings, the research identified information technology as an important enabler of stronger food supply-chain performance and more effective risk management. Technology-based traceability systems were also found to improve food safety performance and strengthen collaboration among supply-chain partners, while collaboration itself showed a particularly strong direct effect on food safety performance.
The study also found that regulatory compliance contributes to improved food safety and more sustainable practices, particularly when it leads to more accurate and timely data. However, traceability does not necessarily improve overall supply-chain performance on its own. Its benefits are often realised through stronger use of information technology, better collaboration, greater visibility across the supply chain and improved risk-management capabilities.
Dr Masengu also developed a predictive analytics framework, using data to help anticipate potential risks before they occur. The findings showed that stronger food safety practices, greater supply-chain transparency and better technological integration can support the earlier identification and management of food safety risks.
Based on the findings, Dr Masengu recommended accelerating the adoption of integrated traceability technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and connected digital record systems. He also called for stronger regulatory compliance, auditing and enforcement, while aligning food safety practices with international standards and requirements in the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr Masengu further emphasised the need to improve the accuracy, timeliness and visibility of information shared across the food supply chain, including among producers, importers, logistics providers, regulators and retailers. He also recommended greater use of predictive analytics and proactive monitoring to identify potential hazards before they develop into product recalls, supply disruptions or public health incidents.
Further recommendations included investing in staff training, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and adopting performance measures that assess food safety alongside resilience, sustainability and supply-chain efficiency. The project has also resulted in several peer-reviewed publications addressing food traceability, food quality and safety management systems, predictive analytics and supply-chain performance. The research team also included Dr Charles Tsikada, Jouhara al Habsi, Dr Chenjerai Muchenje, Benson Ruzive and Mohamed Salah El Din.