Blockchain technology is known primarily for being the basis of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. Less famous are other applications that may be of greater benefit to mankind.
One of them is that of food transparency, in which it facilitates consumers to verify the quality of the food that arrives at their tables, at a time when they dominate the adulteration of ingredients to lower costs or false labeling.
This utility is highlighted after the announcement this week of the agreement signed by the Swiss food manufacturer Nestlé and the French supermarket chain Carrefour, which allows consumers to track the supply chain of two dairy formulas for children's consumption.
To that end they use the IBM Food Trust platform, which defines itself “as a collaborative network of growers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and others, which improves visibility and responsibility throughout the chain of food supply ”.
The user, he adds, can safely track the location and condition of food products, beyond the traditional process, "including a view from the farm to the supermarket, a view of multiple ingredients and essential details at every step" .
In this case, Nestlé and Carrefour will provide customers with transparent information for the Guigoz Bio 2 and 3 infant milk ranges.
Consumers will be able to access this information by scanning with their phone a QR code printed on the product packaging, according to their joint statement.
In the world of bitcoin, the blockchain is metaphorically seen as a digital accounting book that records each of the transactions that are carried out in this virtual currency. If the IBM Food Trust model is extended, its name should be changed from blockchain to food chain.
