We’ve talked a little bit about how blockchain as a system probably won’t solve all of our food fraud issues. This is mainly because blockchain still relies on the proper use and involvement of human beings. If someone is trying to commit fraud, they can and will still do so within the blockchain system. However, there are times when digitizing the food chain and using blockchain is useful.
Recently, ENFIT, The International Association for Supply Chain Safety – Food Feed, Chemicals, hosted a webinar discussing the current lack of transparency in the food supply chain of events. They were, of course, putting their new product, Bulkvision, and the digitized, blockchain process forward as a solution but in order to do so, they first gave a very thorough summary of the current issues.
One of the main issues discussed was the general lack of a standard when food left the source location. The source would be the farm and field for food items. We’ve all seen a chemical container driving down the highway. If you’ve ever seen an action movie with a high speed chance, you’ve probably done your best not to stay behind one for too long. What you might not know is that often, those same containers that are used to carry a toxic chemical, might next be used to carry grains and other foods. The current system requires the tank to be washed out before its use is changed but there is no standard for this process and cross contamination is a major problem. Most of the paperwork is handwritten and there are few checks on the process.
During the webinar, an example was given where a truck came in to be cleaned and the paperwork claimed that the container was single purpose, food only use. However, when the cleaners opened it up, it smelled like petrol. They went back to the driver and he said there was no way he’d carried petrol. They went around and around and finally he brought a separate set of paperwork which showed the fuel transportation. They refused to clean the truck and the trucker moved on to another station, probably to be cleaned with less questions but the story illustrated how in a lot of situations, even if a station is vigilant, there might not be a way to really tell if the paperwork they are receiving is accurate and straightforward.
Additionally, the condition of the containers themselves is varying and largely unmonitored. Contaminants like mold, bacteria, plastics and metals can mix with whatever is being carried and without proper maintenance, no one is the wiser.
The suggested digitized blockchain method would utilize a digital stamp that would be used to “check-in” at all the major transitions for a shipment, allowing the company to precisely track the “where,” “when,” and “by whom,” for their shipments. It’s scannable and pairs with an app. The program also sets standards for cleaning the units and requires a minimum of time and a container quality checklist for things like bubbling and puckering from chemical stuff.
In addition to setting standards, the electronic nature of the check-ins allows verification between deliveries so that more than just the driver can confirm the transport. While there are definitely still some gaps in this plan that would allow for intentional fraud, this would definitely reduce accidental or neglectful contamination and be part of a more consistent system. What are your thoughts on adoption blockchain? It makes a lot of sense and almost seems like something that should have been in place a long time ago.
Bonus Notes: The presenter noted that some companies enjoy doing some things under the table and that might be one reason something like this was not adopted a long time ago. However, he said that because of covid, many companies are seeing the benefit of being more transparent in their business practices as consumers are favoring companies that do so. He believes that this might be one reason this concept is finally taking off.
Resources:
https://greatdane.com/microorganisms-of-concern-during-transport/