• Meet future challenges arising from Green Deal policy driven transitions, in particular in relation to climate driven changes.
• Support the realisation of a truly safe and sustainable food production.
• Contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 8, 9, 12, 15).

Specifically the project aims to develop:

• Early Warning and Emerging Risk Prediction Systems to identify and monitor existing and emerging food safety risks (ERI) in the food chain.​
• Targeted and non-targeted detection methods for existing and emerging hazards.
• Holistic risk assessment methods and tools to support regulation in a changing global environment.
• Improved data and knowledge sharing infrastructures by developing an Integrated European Data and Knowledge Exchange Infrastructure that will be able to power an ecosystem of decision support systems.

• At the core of HOLiFOOD is a technology-driven early warning system, powered by AI and big data analytics. These tools automatically extract relevant data from public sources—ranging from climate and economic indicators to societal trends—and feed them into predictive models that anticipate emerging food safety risks. This allows the shift from reactive to proactive food safety management based on earlier interventions and better preparedness.
• HOLiFOOD is also advancing next-generation detection technologies. By developing and validating both targeted and non-targeted methods for identifying chemical and biological hazards, the project strengthens the ability to detect (re-)emerging risks across the food supply chain. These tools support rapid, reliable characterization of threats, helping to mitigate potential impacts before they escalate.
• Recognizing the need for system-wide insights, HOLiFOOD employs a holistic risk assessment framework. It evaluates food safety risks across different timescales (short to long-term) and from multiple dimensions, including risk-benefit, environment and economic, while taking into account  climate change impacts. This work is grounded in a co-creation process involving diverse actors across three selected food chains, ensuring real-world relevance and uptake.
• To enhance knowledge flow and decision-making, HOLiFOOD is building an integrated digital infrastructure for food safety data and tools. This platform will harmonize inputs from public and private stakeholders, offering a shared registry of data sources, models, and risk indicators. It will act as a hub for proactive risk identification and systemic food safety management.
• Through a Living Lab approach, the project engages policymakers, producers, industry experts, and citizens to co-design and pilot food safety solutions. These labs operate both vertically (focused topics) and horizontally (cross-sector workshops), fostering shared learning and practical tool development.
• The project also emphasizes science-to-society and policy integration. HOLiFOOD translates scientific insights into actionable policy recommendations, regulatory tools, and public engagement strategies. By using citizen science methods—such as surveys, focus groups, and social media monitoring—it informs risk communication and ensures that messages resonate with diverse audiences across four countries.

Through its integrated activities, HOLiFOOD provides the knowledge, tools, and stakeholder engagement necessary to support safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems in Europe.