Advances in Food Science, Processing and Technology

Blockchain for Food Safety and Traceability

Blockchain technology is transforming the food supply chain by enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust. By creating decentralized, immutable ledgers of transactions, blockchain enables all stakeholders—from farmers and processors to retailers and consumers—to access real-time data about the origin, movement, and handling of food products. This drastically improves the ability to trace contamination sources during foodborne illness outbreaks and accelerates recalls. Smart contracts streamline transactions and automate compliance checks. Integration with IoT devices enhances accuracy by feeding data such as temperature, humidity, and GPS location directly into the blockchain network. Consumers gain greater confidence through QR code scanning that reveals the full journey of their food—from farm to fork. Despite challenges like data standardization, interoperability, and adoption costs, blockchain is emerging as a robust tool for building secure, efficient, and sustainable food ecosystems. Governments and companies alike are investing in pilots and partnerships to realize its full potential.