Wednesday 30 / September / 2026
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.
Titled “The Framework to Address the Impact of Food Safety Risks (FSR) on the Performance of Supply Chains,” the project was led by Dr Reason Masengu, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Department of Management Studies at Middle East College. It was funded by the Strategic Research Programme of the Research and Innovation Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
The study 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 research sought to move beyond individual food safety controls by developing a more integrated, technology-enabled approach to managing risks across the supply chain. It combined statistical analysis with reviews of existing studies and conceptual research.
Among its key findings, the study 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. Collaboration, in particular, showed a strong direct effect on food safety performance.
The study found that regulatory compliance contributes to improved food safety and more sustainable practices, particularly when it results in more accurate and timely data.
However, traceability alone does not necessarily improve overall supply-chain performance. Its benefits are more likely to be realised when supported by information technology, stronger collaboration, greater supply-chain visibility and improved risk-management capabilities.
Dr Masengu also developed a predictive analytics framework that uses data to 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 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 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.
Other recommendations included investing in staff training, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and adopting performance measures that assess food safety alongside supply-chain resilience, sustainability and 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 included Dr Reason Masengu, Dr Charles Tsikada, Ms Jouhara Sultan Al Habsi, Dr Chenjerai Muchenje, Mr Benson Ruzive and Mr Mohamed Salah El Din.
