In its beginnings, the blockchain was mainly associated with Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Qualified as a revolutionary technology, the blockchain is a serious alternative to all centralized systems and a solution to many problems.
Estonia, for example, has managed to decentralize its administration through the Blockchain; and the examples are numerous, states, large corporations, each of them, in their own way, exploits the possibilities offered by the blockchain. For its part, the Chinese giant Alibaba has just announced the launch of its anti-food fraud platform.
The Food Trust Framework
The Food Trust Framework is a pilot project of the Alibaba Group based on the transparency of blockchain technology. This project aims to increase the transparency of the supply chain for New Zealand and Australian products sold on T-mall in China.
In China food fraud is always at the center of concern. Alibaba with its C2C, B2C and B2B services is often singled out and accused of allowing fake products to circulate freely. If it is contaminated foods, the repercussions could be fatal hence the project. Food fraud, according to Alibaba, would cost the food industries more than $ 40 billion a year. Blockchain technology will allow consumers and suppliers, of course, real-time monitoring of food products. In addition to unique QR code labeling, customers will be sure to purchase genuine products.
In a statement, the illustrious Jack Ma said, “These technologies are specially adapted to authenticate, verify, record and provide detailed follow-ups on the transfer of goods and the provision of different goods and products”
Tracing Food On The Blockchain
For better product traceability, each product is tagged with a unique QR code. Whenever the product changes hands, the relay information is saved in the blockchain. All the data are registered on the blockchain network and can not be modified or deleted.
All the information on the blockchain will be available for all who wish to consult them. To receive the information, simply scan the QR code.
In addition to reassuring the consumer, adopting the new concept will improve safety. When problems occur, it will be easier to perform diagnostics on the source.
Blockchain, The Future Of Traceability
The first companies to test the Food Trust framework will be the Blackmores food supplement company and the Fonterra dairy supplier, who will transport their products from New Zealand and Australia to China via T-mall.
If the pilot project is successful, it will be a global supply chain model that will be applied to all Alibaba Group markets.
The use of Alibaba’s blockchain for food traceability is not the first and probably not the last. Slowly but surely, the blockchain will be adopted by more and more companies for product tracking.
