Introduction
Over the past forty years, revolutionary technology has become part of our lives. The Internet opened the door to the World Wide Web, email, social networks, online businesses, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This is what is being called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Big Data and technologies are omnipresent. What's more, in recent years we have been experiencing the transition from the IoT to the so-called Internet of Everything. All of this has allowed the emergence of new media and forms of entertainment, new means of collaboration, research, and information exchange (Open Science), but also new ways of organizing work and marketing, which has led to the proliferation of new digital companies.
The Evolution and Impact of Blockchain Traceability
But until now, any online transaction or relationship required the action or mediation of a third party, the intermediary. However,blockchain traceability is characterized precisely by the elimination of the figure of the intermediary, and for this reason, it has been described by renowned authors such as De Filippi and Wright as the system that does not require trust.
In short, blockchain traceability is a chronological data structure in which transactions are grouped into groups or blocks, which are then recorded identically on a computer network. Each block contains information about a certain number of transactions, meta information about the previous block, as well as an answer to a complex mathematical problem (consensus mechanism) that allows the validation of the information associated with that block and prevents its deletion or subsequent modification. Therefore, when a sufficient number of users participate in the blockchain, it allows for perfect, irreversible, and synchronous identification of the contents incorporated into the chain.
We have become familiar with blockchain traceability primarily through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies shortly after, but its applications go beyond the financial world. The application of blockchain traceability in the supply chain, and in particular, in food traceability in the case of the food industry, can be a space in which to unleash its full potential.
Blockchain Traceability in Food Safety
Food safety is indeed a global issue. Many of the problems in the food sector, such as cross contamination, food fraud, disease transmission, and the high cost of recalling defective products, are exacerbated by the lack of information about the steps food takes before it reaches our hands. Traceability is responsible for tracking food at all stages of production, processing, and distribution through which it passes. The quality of the information extracted is therefore fundamental to guarantee food safety.
With the introduction of blockchain traceability into the food chain, by scanning an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip or a QR code placed on each item, consumers could access the complete history of the product they are interested in and verify the authenticity of their purchases. All identifying details of each product would be on the blockchain: for example, specific place of origin, date of harvest, and weight of the product. Details such as pesticide treatments, degree of humidity, time in transit, refrigeration, exact date of passage through customs, receipt by the importer, storage time, etc. would be within our reach through applications downloaded on any of our mobile phones. The information could cover the life of the product from the field or farm to our plates.
Advantages of Blockchain Traceability Software
Blockchain traceability software ensures transparent and secure tracking of product origins and movements across the supply chain. Food traceability is central to the authentication process, whereby the correlation between the food and its labeling is verified. This process is necessary not only to protect consumers against fraud (e.g., higher prices on products of specific quality) but also to avoid health problems. Consumers are increasingly demanding this information, whether for dietary needs, personal tastes, or religious reasons, and in this sense, labeling rules play a crucial role. But labeling alone is not enough, and blockchain traceability applications for food traceability can meet the need for certainty in its content. For this reason, its use in the food sector can also become a very effective marketing tool, as it can be used to improve the company's reputation and thus attract new customers or retain existing ones.
Challenges and Considerations in Blockchain Traceability Implementation
Implementing product traceability software can enhance efficiency and trust by providing detailed insights into each stage of production and distribution. Blockchain traceability is seen as a great opportunity for the food industry supply chain sector. It has clear advantages in terms of transparency, trust, efficiency, and security, as all of this improves the reputation of the members of the food chain, from producers, processors, and distributors, to retailers, and ultimately consumers are the final beneficiaries. It is indisputable that blockchain traceability, properly managed, will help reduce fraud and foodborne diseases through food traceability and provide more transparent information that will reach consumers through the labeling of food contained, for example, in NFC or QR solutions as indicated above.
However, complexity, verification mechanisms, cost, confidentiality, and data protection are some of the problems that must be overcome in order to carry out an optimal implementation of this technology in the food sector. The food chain has a clearly transnational character. International standards are needed to establish both documentation and language. In addition, the application of this technology remains complex and inaccessible for many elements of the supply chain. In many cases, the beginning of the chain is in remote places or in underdeveloped countries, where the implementation and access to this technology are a challenge in itself. The cost of implementing blockchain traceability in the food industry is another of the obstacles that can be seen, as it is not clear what the final impact of the cost will be on consumers and how much they are willing to pay for it, but it is indisputable that each new investment in the supply chain has an economic impact on the final consumer.
Conclusion
Blockchain traceability software holds immense promise for revolutionizing food traceability and supply chain management. By ensuring transparency, reducing fraud, and enhancing consumer confidence, Blockchain can lead to safer, more efficient food systems globally. However, addressing technical, regulatory, and economic challenges is crucial to realizing its full potential and fostering widespread adoption across the food industry. Effective regulation and industry self governance will be key to harnessing the full benefits of Blockchain while mitigating potential risks. As we navigate this technological frontier, the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the supply chain will determine the success and sustainability of Blockchain applications in the food sector.
