Recent trends in blockchain traceability of food products: A review

The global food sector is facing challenges such as eroded consumer trust, increased food safety risks, and growing sustainability concerns. This paper examines how blockchain technology can serve as a promising solution to these issues by providing transparency and traceability throughout the entire food supply chain. Numerous food safety incidents have significantly diminished consumer confidence, posing risks to public health and the economy. By implementing blockchain technology, data integrity and credibility can be ensured, ultimately enhancing consumer trust in the supply chain. This review explores the application of blockchain in various sectors, including dairy, meat, fresh produce, and fish supply chains, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing issues of contamination and fraud. Despite challenges related to scalability, security, and regulation, it is essential to overcome these obstacles to fully realize the potential benefits of blockchain for creating a reliable and sustainable global food supply chain. Furthermore, integrating blockchain with technologies such as RFID, AI, IoT, 3D printing, and big data can optimize tracking and quality control. The paper also highlights the necessity for government authorities and leading private sector players to collaborate in establishing nationwide food safety and traceability platforms, leveraging the transformative capabilities of blockchain.