Towards IoT-Fog-ML integration for temperature break detection and prediction in fresh produce cold chains: a systematic review and architectural framework

Abstract

Introduction – Globally, 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted each year, negatively impacting food security, the economy, and the climate. Fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs), with their short shelf life and temperature sensitivity, are the most affected. This study systematically evaluates the integration of Machine Learning (ML), Adaptive Learning (AL), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Fog computing for temperature-break detection and prediction in FFVs supply chains. It critically evaluates their individual and combined capabilities, identifying compounding barriers that prevent genuine real-time integration of these technologies, while assessing their performance and operational readiness for real-time cold chain monitoring. Additionally, the role of fog computing in enabling efficient ML/AL deployment at the network edge is investigated for real-time applications in dynamic environments, with an implementation framework provided. Methods – Based on the PRISMA framework, searches of Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital, supplemented by citation and reference chasing, produced 830 pre?deduplication records, identifying 14 relevant studies. Results – From the 12 analysed unique-dataset studies, 7 (58.3%) collected data using Basic Sensors, 3 with WSN (25%), and 2 with IoT (16.7%). Of the 14 ML studies, 5 (35.7%) detected temperature breaks, 5 (35.7%) predicted FFVs' temperature values, 3 (21.4%) predicted internal temperature (IT) values of a cold room or container, and 1 predicted IT values and time-to-temperature breaks. None of the studies predicted temperature breaks (event occurrence) or even their causes, while a few detected these breaks and their predefined causes. Four (28.6%) studies used IoT data, but none enabled live ML inference. None of the reviewed studies includes Fog or AL. Discussion – An integrated IoT-Fog-AL framework is thus proposed to address these gaps. These areas require focus to proactively reduce temperature breaks, thereby minimising food wastage and its associated effects, while also enhancing supply chain resilience and food security.