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Blockchain, Featured

Role of Blockchain Technology in Food Safety

Experts and analysts around the world are recognizing the enormous potential of blockchain technology. Although commonly associated with decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies, this technology can revolutionize the global food supply and enhance food safety. The sector regularly faces several lingering challenges such as contamination, adulteration, improper storage, and allergen management. Blockchain can solve these challenges comprehensively.

Common Food Safety Issues

There are several food safety issues in the world. Some regions may face unique challenges that other regions may not face. Therefore, it is necessary to briefly discuss the common food safety issues that this technology can solve.

Contamination

Contamination whether biological, chemical, or physical is a major challenge for maintaining food safety. Biological includes harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Chemical contamination may include undesirable pesticide residues. Physical contamination includes the addition of harmful foreign substances. 

Illness

Illnesses caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria, and chemicals can vastly compromise food safety. WHO causes 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses with a large amount of casualties annually. An estimated 420,000 deaths occur because of illness.

Cross-contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when microorganisms transfer from one surface to another. It amplifies the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

Storage Issues

Storage issues remain a major challenge and ruin foods. The storage issues include spoilage, unsanitary practices, improper handling, and unsuitable storage temperatures. Each of these can ruin food quality and compromise food safety.

Role of Blockchain in Food Safety

Blockchain can resolve many challenges in the food industry. In some cases, it can significantly reduce those challenges to a desired limit. 

Improved Traceability

Blockchain technology’s improved traceability can promote food safety in the supply chain. Typically, most food supply chains suffer from a lack of transparency. Blockchain can eliminate the problem by giving a transparent and tamper-proof record within the supply chain. This enables better traceability and verification thereby, making the process more secure.

Fraud Reduction

Adulteration, mislabeling, counterfeiting, and contamination are the main causes of food fraud. When left unchecked, it can lead to epidemics, and widespread panic and cause large-scale deaths. Blockchain can maintain the integrity of the food market and prevent fraud because it has an immutable ledger system.

Improve Sustainability

Blockchain can improve sustainability and ensure better environmental standards for both food production and distribution. It also helps companies to make informed decisions about logistics and sourcing. 

Promotes Accuracy

Blockchain can systematically reduce corruption in the food supply chain by improving and promoting accuracy. This is because the technology allows data recordings, tracks, and timestamps of all transactions, thereby, reducing the chances of errors. Invariably this can improve food standards and resolve most challenges.

Also Read-  Understanding the Basics of Crypto Whale And Its Impact

Bottom Line

The role of blockchain technology in food safety is likely to be mostly positive. This is because it can become a potential tool for improving traceability, improving data accuracy, and supporting sustainability. The technology continues to evolve and can benefit both consumers and businesses alike. If blockchain becomes an integral part of food safety, then it can allay fears of food security in the long run and make the world a much healthier place.  

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