Enhancing Freshness and Sustainability Through a Monitoring and Traceability System

32nd IAPRI Member’s Conference 2025

Enhancing Freshness and Sustainability Through a Monitoring and Traceability System
Juan Granados1 and Pablo García2

1 Mobility, Logistics and Digital Transformation Unit, ITENE
2 Industrial Scale-up Unit, ITENE

*Juan Granados. Email: juan.granados@itene.es
*Pablo García. Email: pablo.garcia@itene.es

Abstract: The aim of this work was to develop a monitoring system to address the challenges of preserving and transporting fresh fishery products. With increasing global demand and the need for sustainable practices, ensuring product quality and traceability throughout the supply chain is crucial for consumer trust and food safety.
Besides the commonly use temperature and humidity sensors, gas sensors were chosen to monitor the degradation of fishery products, particularly focusing on trimethylamine (TMA) and bacterial activity. As fish begin to spoil, bacteria break down trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), producing TMA, which causes the characteristic "fishy" odor, as well as gases like NH₃ (ammonia) and H₂S (hydrogen sulfide). Furthermore, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is released during bacterial respiration, while methane (CH₄) is produced by certain bacteria under anaerobic conditions. By continuously monitoring these gases and tracking the product’s location via GPS, the system provides real-time insights into the freshness of the product, helping to detect the onset of spoilage and improve the management of storage and transportation conditions.
To complete the value chain, ITENE collaborates with INFOTEAM on the development of an online platform and mobile app serving as an integrated platform. This platform connects all data from the devices, including product tracking and quality measurements, with manufacturing data such as production date, batch, and other relevant attributes. Users can access real-time data and historical records, offering complete traceability and product quality insights. This data integration enhances transparency and trust in the supply chain while providing a more informed and user-friendly experience.