Food Quality, Safety and Sustainability – A Critical Review of Factors Influencing Consumer Viewpoint and Practices.

Abstract

Food quality, safety, and sustainability are increasingly recognized as interconnected pillars shaping the modern food system. Rising consumer expectations, shifting cultural values, regulatory requirements, and industry pressures have pushed these issues to the forefront of food policy and practice. This review brings together current scholarship across these domains, highlighting the ways in which they overlap, reinforce, and sometimes conflict with each other. Evidence shows that while quality and safety are strongly linked in consumer perceptions, their integration with sustainability is less consistent. Broader sustainability concerns—including affordability, equity, resource efficiency, labour conditions, and long-term health impacts—often struggle to align with market realities. Barriers such as cost pressures, consumer skepticism towards corporate claims, and uneven access to new technologies limit progress. At the same time, innovations in packaging, credible labelling, and transparent communication can strengthen trust and influence consumer choices, particularly in emerging markets such as India where cultural and socio-economic contexts strongly shape behaviour. Significant research gaps remain, especially in developing holistic frameworks that consider multiple sustainability dimensions, capturing consumer perspectives beyond environmental awareness, and comparing patterns across developed and developing economies. Future research should focus on integrated approaches that balance health, safety, and sustainability, enhance credibility in sustainability communication, and adapt digital solutions to diverse socio-economic contexts. By addressing these gaps, this review provides insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to build a food system that is safe, high-quality, and sustainable in the broadest sense.