In rapidly growing cities, food waste and contamination have become critical challenges. Consumers often discard food prematurely due to uncertainty about freshness, while unsafe items sometimes remain undetected until illness occurs. This dual issue results in massive economic losses, health risks, and environmental damage. Globally, nearly one-third of food produced is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. At the same time, foodborne illnesses affect millions annually, straining healthcare systems and reducing productivity. Traditional packaging methods fail to provide clear information about food quality, leaving both consumers and retailers vulnerable. The problem is compounded by long supply chains, inadequate monitoring, and reliance on single-use plastics that worsen pollution. Addressing this crisis requires rethinking how food safety and waste are managed, ensuring that urban populations can access reliable, sustainable, and safe food systems.