Introduction:
The advancement of technology has led to blockchain development and its applications in several industries other than cryptocurrencies. The features of blockchain technology have mainly benefited the food industry. Transparency, one of the essential attributes of Blockchain, helps in reducing food frauds and enhancing food security.
Classic features of Blockchain
Blockchain is a digital distributed ledger supported by a network of several computing apparatuses.
Decentralized
In contrast to the present internet system, no specific server stores the complete information. Separate computers save all the data, and no central authority can supervise them. The Blockchain network links these computer systems. Blockchain is known as a digital ledger because of this, dispensed copies-of-transactions.
Trust
One of the most notable features of Blockchain is that it provides a transparent environment, which intensifies trust between two parties.
Transparency
This does not mean violation of any private documents. The cryptographic code conceals the identity of the users and is served only by their public code. Their identity is secured, and all the transactions that take place by public address are attainable. It not only enhances transparency but also promotes safety and trust in the system.
Immutability
The data is irreversible and cannot be changed once entered into the Blockchain. In sectors where data integrity and data protection are of greater importance, this immutability feature of Blockchain has been made famous and highly explored.
Blockchain impacting the food industry
There are various ways in which Blockchain can improve the food industry. The most significant changes are.
Supply chain
Currently, Blockchain is facilitating the management of supply chain all over the food industry. Well known industries like; Walmart, Kroger, Tyson Foods have initiated to self-regulate their supply chains by tracing chief information that includes temperature, quality and manufacturing dates of commodities.
- IBM, a known Blockchain provider, is looking forward to teaming up with similar operations so that these measures are stored on a non-altering register to ensure the allegiance of the supply chain from producer to consumer.
- This register will act as the transparent database permitting food companies further to understand the supply chains and areas of inefficiencies.
Food safety
Blockchain has significant potential to improve food safety other than tracking supply chains.
- Following the data from the World Health Organization in 2015, 1 out of 10 people suffer from food contamination.
- The effects of food contamination are more persistent in the younger generation and imposed significant challenges to food industries over a long time.
- Blockchain can eliminate such conditions by a) delivering consumers with transparency that the food consumed matches the ingredients mentioned on the label, b) by monitoring the supply chain and recording any source of contamination that comes across it, and c) by ceasing retailers to keep hazardous foodstuffs away from any shelves.
Payments
Blockchain has also transformed the payment procedure in the food industry. Food producers that sell their products at material rates will get the chance to display proof of sale by using Blockchain technology.
- Blockchain technology has the potential to eradicate the requirement of a third party and thus reduce transaction fees.
Faster recall response
Blockchain can speed up the task of tracking down recalled food and make it less energy-consuming.
- Blockchain technology can easily track down recalled items, saving time, lives, and resources and preventing wastage.
- Tracking the accurate source of contamination will prevent mass recalls in the future.
Conclusion
Ever since its introduction, Blockchain has been an up-and-coming and benefitting technology. Blockchain has the potential to remove fraud and build trust among parties in the food industry.
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