Navigating food safety risks: A quality-driven approach to supply chain resilience

Abstract

Purpose – This research presents a comprehensive framework which integrates supply chain quality management (SCQM) practices and tools to achieve supply chain resilience (SCRES) in the case of a food-safety disruption. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study approach, this research explores two foodsafety issues, the Dicyandiamide (DCD) issue and the botulism scare, linked with the New Zealand (NZ) dairy industry. Primary data collection included 23 interviews linked with a dairy processing company and eight of its supply chain (SC) partners and stakeholders. Findings – This paper highlightsthe importance ofintra- and inter-organisational SCQM level tools and practices. It also demonstrates how some of these practices influence each other, and, subsequently, how they affect the key constructs of SCRES (agility, adaptability and alignment). Originality/value – This research fills an important gap in the extant literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of how SCQM tools and practices enable organisations and SC partners to be better prepared and respond to a food-safety issue. It does so, by integrating two emerging concepts, SCQM and SCRES.