Illuminating the Path with Science and Data
"At Mars, we are continuously raising the bar for food safety, evolving our long-standing preventative approach through advanced science," explains Abigail Stevenson, Chief Science Officer at Mars. "By generating richer data sets and applying advanced analytics, we are actively building our predictive and, ultimately, prescriptive capabilities."
This data-driven strategy is built on a solid foundation. Mars Global Services (MGS) governs a network of laboratories, processing millions of data points since 2018. This wealth of information empowers our Associates to make confident, informed decisions in real-time, transforming data into decisive action where it matters most.
Our research is focused on three critical areas:
- Microbial Risk Management: Investigating new 'Omics' technologies to shift our approach from reactive to predictive.
- Mycotoxin Risk Management: Developing prediction models and in-line sorting to eradicate harmful mycotoxins in the supply chain.
- Food Integrity Management: Creating analytical toolkits to combat food fraud and detect contaminants.
Building a Global Ecosystem for Safer Food
No single entity can solve the complex challenges impacting the global food supply chain. That is why collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We actively foster partnerships with academia, industry partners and regulators to share data, advance scientific discovery and champion global food safety standards.
"Meaningful progress on food safety is only possible through shared effort and expertise," says Silvia Pereira, VP of Corporate Quality & Food Safety. "By collaborating on non-competitive issues and adopting new technologies, we can make a huge difference in providing safe food worldwide. We champion multisectoral collaboration to build a safer, more resilient food system for all."
Protecting People and Pets Through Innovation and Partnerships
At Mars, we believe technology's greatest potential is unlocked when it amplifies the ingenuity of our Associates. We are responsibly harnessing digital transformation as a tool to empower our people, combining their unique expertise with powerful new capabilities. By integrating these next-generation technologies into our daily work, we deliver transparency and build trust across our supply chain. This collaborative approach has led to a sustained reduction in food safety incidents, thanks to faster detection and resolution of issues.
Through pioneering innovations and partnerships, we are not only ensuring our products are safe but also helping to elevate food safety standards for the entire industry, benefiting communities and ecosystems globally.
On this World Food Safety Day, we stand firm in our daily commitment to prevention and Quality. Because ensuring safe, nutritious food today is the vital foundation for the healthier, happier world we want for people and pets tomorrow.
