Title: The complexity of the international food industry

Authors: Tim C. McDowell

Addresses: Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA

Abstract: The international food industry is a complex and intertwined system of actions and re-actions covering many areas. Multiple concepts presented by scholarly literature are examined emphasising the vastness and complexity of international trade activities conducted by multiple nations with multiple resources. Research and discussions concerning the international food industry include religions, health, nutritional, moral, political and economic characteristics when examining the complexity of the international food industry. Variations in how different countries, different cultures and religious beliefs, different health and safety standards, and different business practices interact with each other in the international food industry are analysed. How international food industries are influenced by complex issues of cultural and religious processing requirements, food safety, food crimes, and governmental economic negotiations are examined through qualitative and empirical analysis. Game Theory and internal controls used in fraud detection is examined for further research supporting strategic moves of international trade participants.

Keywords: international food complexity; kosher; halal; hinduism; meat; food safety; food crime; fraud; recalls; food tax; food crime; game theory; obesity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2017.083616

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2017 Vol.9 No.1, pp.1 - 28

Received: 31 Dec 2015
Accepted: 10 Sep 2016

Published online: 12 Apr 2017 *

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