Project
2.2 Methodologies to enable traceability
Traceability can be applied to create transparency in supply chains. Conventionally available traceability solutions are centralized, which is not preferred since they come with weaknesses, such as e.g. data manipulation, and single point of failure (Sunny et al, 2020). In this research area, various data sources are important, e.g. analytical data (compositional analysis, proteomics, genomics), paper trails (blockchain, RFID, QR-codes), vulnerability assessments, and meta data (origin, suppliers, traders). These data should be gathered and combined safely to provide traceability and transparency within the whole supply chain. By doing so, fraud risks can be minimized and safety can be maintained from farm to fork.
Food categories that are vulnerable are for example protected designation of origin products, products with sustainability claims, and highly processed food products like meat analogues and cultured meat.
More and more consumers are looking for more sustainable and environmentally friendly protein sources than meat. However, these new products also come with a food authenticity challenge within the supply chain. Since they are highly processed, it is impossible to visually recognize their original constituents. As consumer trust around a novel product category is paramount to the future of this sector, new approaches and methodologies to mitigate this risk should be developed. Along with compositional signatures of the products, administrative procedures are required to offer state-of-the-art traceability. For the latter, the implementation of blockchain technology is one of the options, offering decentralization, traceability, and security. Blockchain fully removes the necessity for a central authority to act as a mediator between parties, by creating a fully transparent environment. These (and other) new developments can contribute to safe and transparent food systems in the light of changing to a more sustainable diet.