The recent release of a new seven-step ethical AI guidance by the personalised nutrition service Qina addresses concerns about safety and privacy, underlining the potential for AI to increase access and affordability to personalised nutrition solutions. It also emphasizes the potential for AI to efficiently analyze large datasets and identify hidden patterns for preventative health solutions using nutrition. Qina’s CEO and founder Mariette Abrahams expressed pride in the paper, stating it “focuses specifically on nutrition,” and added, “We hope that companies will use this framework to assess internally where they are with regard to the 7 pillars and where they will need to improve or seek external help.”
The report predicts the expansion of the personalized nutrition market to $64 billion by 2040, signaling renewed potential due to the surge in adoption of AI technologies and wearables. However, challenges such as high costs, limited scientific backing, and consumer trust issues need to be addressed. The sector is also faced with significant resource and data set requirements. The report aims to address these issues and presents a framework that encompasses data—AI system, human-centric, organization, education & training, people & planet and regulation.
The framework emphasizes the importance of diversity in datasets in training AI systems and the need for continued human oversight. It also highlights the importance of user freedom in making final decisions. Compliance with legal and regulatory standards such as the AI Act, GDPR, and DPA 2018 is also critical for the safety and transparency of AI systems. The authors highlighted the need for increased transparency, inclusivity and safety in future AI systems, stating that education and training within nutrition must evolve to include design thinking, creative problem-solving and behavioural innovation.
Overall, Qina’s ethical AI guidance suggests areas of focus that can help companies navigate the complexities of the food and beverage industry, navigate the food manufacturing trends efficiently, and adapt to the food distribution trends. It can also help companies innovate in the food and drink industry while ensuring food and drink sustainability, compliance with food and drink regulations, and the use of appropriate food and drink packaging. Furthermore, it can guide companies in understanding food and drink marketing strategies and addressing food and drink consumer trends.
