Blockchain Technology in Food Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Traceability, Safety, and Quality
摘要
The food supply chain has a long cycle, a complex structure and numerous stakeholders, which makes it a challenge to ensure the security of the supply chain. The traceability system is a product management system that enables forward, backward and non-directional tracking of products. It should provide important guarantees, such as the ability to join all links in the food supply chain, monitor raw material collection, processing, storage and transportation, distribution and sales processes, and have a great impact on food safety and quality. Traditional traceability systems in the food supply chain are grappled with issues such as centralized data management, fragmented information flows, susceptibility to data falsification, and the emergence of isolated ‘information islands,’ hindering the seamless tracking and monitoring of products from farm to fork. Blockchain technology, heralded as the next disruptive force after the Internet, offers a paradigm shift with its decentralized architecture, distributed ledger, cryptographic security, and transparent data sharing, thus addressing the inherent shortcomings of traditional traceability systems. By leveraging blockchain technology, stakeholders can ensure end-to-end traceability in the food supply chain, facilitating real-time monitoring of crucial processes including raw material sourcing, production, storage, distribution, and retail, thereby bolstering food safety, quality assurance, and consumer trust. This chapter presents the challenges of current traceability systems in food supply chains. It also explains the principles and applications of blockchain in managing the food supply chain to ensure traceability, safety and quality. Despite the potential benefits, the widespread adoption of blockchain in food traceability faces challenges such as scalability limitations, interoperability issues, regulatory complexities, and concerns regarding energy consumption. Addressing these hurdles is pivotal for unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the food industry. Looking ahead, the chapter explores avenues for enhancing blockchain scalability, fostering industry-wide collaboration, and navigating regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of blockchain solutions into the food supply chain. It offers insights into the innovative applications of blockchain technology, paving the way for a more transparent, resilient, and sustainable food system.