Smart traceability in the food supply chain

In food systems, traceability has become a critical element in supply chain management. It is now considered a new quality index in food. Innovation in the use of information and communication technologies is required to provide transparency and trust through the value chain.

SPECIFIC R&I BREAKTHROUGH TOPICS

Industry 4.0 – Digitalisation in food production: The term Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution, refers to the use of digital technologies that enable new and more efficient processes, which in some cases yield new goods and services. Digitisation offers enormous potential for all steps in the food supply chain, from food production, packaging and food distribution to nutrition. It enables blockchain technologies to trace the whole food chain, providing information to consumers regarding the origin of food products. Consumers are able to check the nutritional value or allergic risk of products,, as well as other health parameters, to decide on their daily diets.
Blockchain technology for secure food supply: Blockchain technology stores data in blocks, in chronological order. Due to what is considered a mathematical trapdoor, data stored in such a way are impossible to alter or remove. Copies of the chain of blocks – hence the term blockchain – and thereby the information, are distributed among the participants in the network. The copies of the blockchain are then updated when a new block of information is added to the chain.

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