Applications of artificial intelligence, internet of things and blockchain in prevention, control and detection of mycotoxins in cereals and legumes

What is it about?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that commonly contaminate cereals and legumes, posing major threats to food safety, public health, and global trade. Traditional detection systems are often expensive, slow, and lack real-time monitoring, limiting their ability to prevent contamination. This summary highlights how modern digital technologies—Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain—are transforming mycotoxin management across the food supply chain. AI methods, including machine learning and deep learning, can analyze large environmental and production datasets to predict when and where contamination may occur, supporting early and targeted interventions. IoT technologies use smart sensors to continuously monitor key conditions such as temperature, humidity, and gas levels during harvesting, storage, and transit, helping reduce fungal growth and enabling timely alerts. Blockchain technology improves trust and traceability by securely recording all production, testing, and supply chain data, ensuring that records cannot be altered and contamination sources can be quickly traced. Combined, these digital systems support automated decision-making, faster responses, more effective recalls, and greater transparency across the food chain. Although challenges such as cost, technical integration, and regulatory standardization remain, scalable digital solutions offer strong potential to enhance global mycotoxin prevention and control.

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