The FoodChain-Lab web application: A comprehensive software for visualizing and analysing complex global food supply chain networks

In the era of globalized food and feed trade, innovative software tools are crucial for swiftly and reliably resolving foodborne crises. FoodChain-Lab Web (FCL Web; https://fcl-portal.bfr.berlin/) serves as such a tool. FCL Web is free and open-source software designed to facilitate the tracing of food along complex global supply chains during foodborne disease outbreaks or other food-related incidents. FCL Web integrates interactive tracing data visualization, analysis and reporting into a single modular tracing platform. The interactive analysis module, developed in collaboration with EFSA, provides automated visualization of supply chains tailored to user needs. A data table presents key information on involved food business operators and food items, featuring comprehensive filter functions for detailed analysis. Moreover, the analysis module facilitates simulations of hypothetical cross-contamination or geographic clustering events during outbreaks through a scoring algorithm for deliveries and food business operators. A pilot version of a reporting module has been integrated into FCL Web as well to present tracing and case information in a format suitable for publishing tracing results in outbreak reports.
During the Software Fair, a demo will introduce the key functionalities of FCL Web to interested users. It will also be possible to try out the tool within a realistic scenario of a foodborne incident.