Foodstuffs’ facial recognition trial reduces harm incidents by 16%

Foodstuffs’ facial recognition trial reduces harm incidents by 16%
New World Westend in Rotorua took part in Foodstuffs' facial recognition technology trial. (Image: Andrew Warner)
Staff reporters
A six-month facial recognition trial at 25 Foodstuffs North Island stores reduced serious harm incidents by an estimated 16%, according to an independent evaluation by analytics firm Scarlatti. Scarlatti director Dr Adam Barker said this was equivalent to around 100 serious harm events averted, including assaults, abuse and other aggressive or disorderly conduct. “Around half of that reduction can be attributed to actual interventions by supermarket staff, approaching someone who’s a repeat offender before they can do more...