The implementation of, and adherence to, robust food safety standards is fundamental to ensure the production, handling, and sale of food that is safe for consumers.

Over the years there have been several instances where compliance to food safety standards have not been maintained.

For example, most recently in June 2024, when headlines broke about supermarkets recalling pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads due to possible contamination with E.coli.

It was later revealed that salad leaf products could have been the source of the outbreak, but this is yet to be confirmed.

The Need for Specific Food Safety Standards

These incidents highlight the imperative role of food safety standards in the global food supply chain. However, there are currently gaps in specific markets.

For example, there are very few food safety guidelines specific to controlled environment operations, such as the vertical farming sector.

As an emerging sector still, current food safety legislation or voluntary standards are limited and do not adequately take account of the specific circumstances of this type of growing environment.

What is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in controlled environments.

Generally, these are high value crops, such as salads, herbs and mushrooms, that can withstand being grown in stacked layers, indoors and in environments where light, nutrient and water supply are explicitly controlled.

This type of operation allows year-round growing and cropping and is seen globally as an opportunity to address the challenge of limited growing areas, unpredictable weather and the need to reduce the overall environmental impact of agriculture.

If managed correctly, vertical farming could be an effective and sustainable method for growing particular crops.

Importance of Food Safety Research and Development for Vertical Farming

Although controlled farming environments aim to minimise the risk of contamination from external sources by using automated processes and technological innovation, there is still a risk of exposure.

For example:

• Water recycling systems - a core feature of many vertical farms - can inadvertently become breeding grounds for pathogens if not properly managed.
• Untreated seeds could cause an issue if not disinfected before planting
• Personnel can spread viral and bacterial pathogens
• Inadequate cleaning practices may promote the accumulation of biofilms and pathogens

Due to the nature of vertical farming operating within an enclosed environment, if pathogens are present, they are likely to spread rapidly - causing a plethora of issues.

It’s these potential risks that confirm the need for bespoke food safety standards to be considered for this industry.

Continued food safety research and development will be key to filling this gap and upholding safe growing environments.

Enigma III – Fera’s Collaborative Research Model

Enigma is Fera’s R&D model established to support continued research, innovation and knowledge transfer across the food production sector and food supply chain through a collaborative approach with Fera scientists and Enigma industry partners. 

Enigma III will seek to understand and develop standardised food safety approaches that can be used by vertical and controlled environment producers, and the wider industry, to provide a consistent approach to food safety control.

With the support of industry partners, Enigma III will focus on key outputs including:

• A desk-based review of the guidance, standards, and legislation currently in place globally concerning vertically and controlled environment farming
• Working with project partners, that include the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and vertical and controlled environment farming companies, to develop grower-led and industry leading approaches to food safety guidance and standards
• Scientifically validating strategies for individual vertical farming companies to further embed food safety in their businesses

There is also scope for this project to be extended to consider how to embed any new food safety guidance or legislative requirements into the industry, through training and development.

Continued R&D efforts will ensure that vertical farming systems are not only productive and sustainable but also meet the highest standards of food safety. Through dedicated research, vertical farming can fulfil its promise of delivering fresh, safe, and nutritious food to populations worldwide, helping to build a resilient and secure food system for the future.

Learn more about Enigma, our strategic R&D model, the benefits to project partners, and how to get involved here.