Towards a decision support system for control of multiple food safety hazards in raw milk production

• Elements of decision support system to judge compliance of raw milk to EU legislation.
• Data identification using multiple component analysis methods at critical points.
• Information management system to accept or reject raw milk.
• Data exchange leading to interventions in the dairy production chain.
• To control multiple food safety hazards in raw milk production.

Decision support systems (DSS) for controlling multiple food safety hazards in raw milk production have not yet been developed, but the underlying components are fragmentarily available. This article presents the state-of-the-art of essential DSS elements for judging food safety compliance of raw milk. The DSS elements include data identification at critical points in the supply chain, an information management system, and data exchange. Based on these elements, a concept for further development of a DSS is presented. These elements have to be integrated in the dairy chain to prevent inefficient sampling and analysis. Such a DSS would enhance food safety.