Leveraging blockchain technology to combat food fraud in the agri‐food supply chain

• Published in: International journal of food science & technology Vol. 59; no. 5; pp. 3469 - 3477
• Main Authors: Saha, Aditi, Raut, Rakesh D., Kumar, Mukesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Agribusiness; Agricultural production; Blockchain; Cryptography; Food; Food chains; Food supply; Fraud; Globalization; Literature reviews; Security; Supply chains
• ISSN: 0950-5423; 1365-2621
• DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.16889

Summary In an era of increasingly complex and globalised agri‐food supply chains (AFSC), the battle against food fraud has become a pressing concern for both consumers and industry stakeholders. Blockchain technology (BLCT) has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of traceability, transparency, and accountability within these supply chains. This paper investigates the enablers that drive the successful implementation of BLCT in combating food fraud. The study uses Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) for analysing the enablers. The enablers were identified using literature review and by consulting industry and academic experts. The study finds that the enablers – immutable ledger, data security, and safety – are important for combating food fraud. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the identified factors and their interrelationships, offering solutions to policymakers and managers. As various industries and stakeholders collaborate to tackle these pressing issues, BLCT has the potential to reshape the AFSC industry by guaranteeing trustworthiness, transparency, and security for all parties involved.