Food safety 4.0 platform and sustainable performance: A moderated multilevel approach

This study investigates the moderating effects of the Food Safety 4.0 Platform (FS4.0P) on the sustainable performance of global food supply chains, with a focus on carbon neutrality and economic performance in two emerging countries, i.e., China and Vietnam. A survey of 1000 top-level managers in the food industry in these countries, conducted both online and in person, provided the data for this research. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) validated the hypotheses and variable loadings, and IBM SPSS 25 and AMOS were used for SEM route analysis and bootstrapping. Analysis of 240 responses revealed that the model accounts for 59.8% of the variation in sustainable performance. Hypothesis testing indicated that commitment and involvement of executive leadership, technological and physical infrastructure, systems and process integration significantly enhance sustainable performance, while declining governance and oversight of food safety activities can impede it. However, FS4.0P's robustness can mitigate these negative effects. Integrating stakeholder and institutional theories, the study examines the influence of external FS4.0P activities, such as stakeholder involvement and external support, on system success. Despite the limited impact of internal food safety procedures and support from external partners and stakeholders on sustainable performance, the findings suggest enhancements in competitiveness, quality, safety, and sustainability, though further systems and process integration for carbon reduction and economic performance is necessary. This study offers significant implications for decision-makers, scholars, and professionals in recognising critical success factors for the successful execution of FS4.0P to attain sustainability objectives. • Integrating Stakeholder and Institutional theories to identify and explain FS4.0P determinants. • Among the first studies that link carbon neutrality commitment to sustainable performance. • This study stimulates food companies to strive for carbon neutrality. • Stakeholders' effects and institutional requirements impact FS4.0P to boost sustainability. • Findings prompt food organisations to adopt FS4.0P to advance sustainable competitiveness.