Artificial Intelligence for Food Traceability and Digital Labelling Within the Framework of E-commerce in the European Union: A Systematic Review of Regulatory, Policy, and Scientific Evidence

The rapid digitalisation of agri-food supply chains, coupled with the burgeoning expansion of e-commerce within the European Union (EU), necessitates a fundamental reassessment of existing traceability mechanisms and regulatory compliance frameworks. This systemic transition introduces multifaceted challenges concerning food safety, informational transparency, and consumer protection within the digital marketplace, where conventional traceability protocols are increasingly rendered inadequate. This systematic review aims to evaluate the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital labelling technologies on food traceability and the efficacy of regulatory enforcement within the EU e-commerce landscape. Methodologically, the study adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, employing a rigorous PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework to interrogate academic databases and European public policy repositories. The selection process comprised an exhaustive search strategy, sequential screening, deduplication, and a robust assessment of the risk of bias using validated appraisal tools. We extracted and synthesised data regarding the implementation of intelligent labelling, Quick Response (QR) codes, and sensor-integrated active packaging, alongside their broader implications for transnational data governance. Our thematic synthesis demonstrates that integrating AI into digital labelling architectures significantly enhances the optimisation of real-time product quality monitoring. The evidence indicates a strategic convergence between technological innovation and the mandates of the European Green Deal; however, ubiquitous implementation remains hindered by legislative fragmentation and inherent vulnerabilities regarding data privacy. the findings reveal a pronounced discrepancy between the technical capabilities of e-commerce platforms and existing regulatory control mechanisms, highlighting an urgent requirement for adaptive governance frameworks.