BLOCKCHAIN-ENABLED TRACEABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: A CASE STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL DATA INTEGRITY

Abstract

The integrity of nutritional data within the food supply chain is paramount for ensuring consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and public health. Traditional systems for managing this data are often fragmented, leading to inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and opportunities for tampering. This study explores the application of blockchain technology to enhance traceability and transparency in the food supply chain, focusing specifically on the integrity of nutritional data. Blockchain, with its decentralized and immutable ledger, offers a robust solution to the challenges faced by conventional data management systems. Through a detailed case study of a leading food producer, this research demonstrates how blockchain-enabled traceability can provide real-time, verifiable information on nutritional content from farm to table. The study examines the implementation process, including the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for data collection, smart contracts for automating compliance, and the use of decentralized applications (DApps) for consumer engagement. Key metrics such as data accuracy, system efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction are evaluated, providing a comprehensive assessment of blockchain's impact on the food supply chain. The findings indicate a significant improvement in data integrity, with reduced opportunities for fraud and enhanced consumer trust. Moreover, the study highlights the challenges of implementing blockchain technology, including scalability, interoperability, and regulatory hurdles. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain applications in food systems, offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technology developers aiming to ensure the authenticity and transparency of nutritional information in the global food supply chain.