Whole Genome Sequencing and Digitalization Are Transforming Mars’ Food Safety Strategies
Whole genome sequencing “is a cornerstone” of Mars’ strategy for food safety, while digitalization is transforming the company’s efforts “from a traditional ‘seek and destroy’ model to an advanced ‘predict and prevent’ strategy, enabling timely interventions before food safety incidents arise.”
Mars used World Food Safety Day (June 7) to reveal its current thinking on the subject, an “obligation … shared with those across our supply chains and through our partner networks.
“The 2025 World Food Safety Day theme is ‘Science in Action,’ and Mars is proud to share how we embrace scientific innovation and digitalization through collaboration to ensure safe food for people and pets," the company wrote on its website.
“We are exploring a range of new digital tools and technologies to build upon and refine our current processes to ensure that we meet evolving and emerging food safety challenges.
“Our robust data management framework supports this digital evolution by ensuring the secure and ethical use of information across operations,” the company wrote. “Using data responsibly and collaboratively offers an opportunity to protect consumers, reduce food waste and generate shared value.”
Whole Genome Sequencing “enhances our microbial risk management by enabling precise pathogen tracking and improved traceability across our global supply chains.
“At the heart of our food safety endeavors is a strong culture of collaboration. Mars actively engages with more than 25 partner organizations to share knowledge, exchange best practices, gain new insights and help improve the resilience of supply chains in vulnerable countries around the world.
“Initiatives like the Food Safety Coalition and Mars Cargill Better Together Project exemplify how collaborative frameworks can effectively tackle global food safety challenges.”
