Blockchain-Powered Food Safety Tracking System

Objective:

To develop a transparent, secure, and efficient system that tracks food products from farm to table using blockchain technology, ensuring food safety, quality, and traceability while reducing the risk of contamination, fraud, and inefficiency in the supply chain.

Key Features:

End-to-End Traceability – Every step in the food supply chain, from farming to processing to distribution, is recorded on the blockchain.

Real-Time Monitoring – Sensor data (e.g., temperature, humidity) from food storage and transportation is captured in real-time and recorded on the blockchain.

Tamper-Proof Records – Blockchain ensures that the data cannot be altered, providing a secure and immutable record of all food safety information.

Smart Contracts for Compliance – Automated actions such as quality checks, certifications, or regulatory compliance are executed through smart contracts.

Certification & Compliance – Food producers, processors, and retailers can be certified as compliant with food safety regulations, visible to consumers and regulators.

Transparency for Consumers – Consumers can scan QR codes on products to view their journey and safety data, enhancing trust in food quality.

Audit Trail – Full traceability of products from source to end user, ensuring full visibility into the food supply chain.

Technologies Used:

Blockchain Platform: Ethereum / Hyperledger Fabric / IBM Food Trust

Smart Contracts: Solidity (for automating regulatory checks, quality control)

IoT Sensors: Temperature, humidity, and GPS sensors to capture real-time environmental data during transport and storage

Frontend: React.js / Vue.js (for consumer and business dashboards)

Backend: Node.js / Express.js

Storage: IPFS (for storing off-chain data like certifications or inspection reports)

QR Code Integration: For product tracking and consumer access to food safety data

Security: AES-256 encryption for secure data transmission and storage

How It Works:

Food Registration & Certification:

Producers, processors, and distributors register food products on the blockchain. Each product is assigned a unique identifier (e.g., QR code) linked to its traceability record.

Sensor Data Collection:

IoT sensors monitor the conditions under which the food is stored, processed, and transported (e.g., temperature, humidity). This data is recorded on the blockchain, ensuring that environmental conditions are maintained according to safety standards.

Smart Contract Execution:

Automated processes, such as triggering inspections or certifying quality, are governed by smart contracts. These contracts ensure that regulatory and safety standards are met at every stage of the supply chain.

Consumer Access to Information:

Consumers can scan the QR code on the food packaging to access the entire history of the product, from farm to table, including any safety certifications, quality control measures, and the conditions during transportation.

Audit & Compliance Verification:

Food safety regulators and auditors can access the blockchain to verify that all food safety regulations were followed and that the product has passed the necessary quality checks.

Benefits:

Improved Food Safety: Real-time monitoring and traceability help detect potential issues, such as contamination or improper storage conditions, early in the supply chain.

Transparency: Consumers can trust the food they're purchasing because they have access to the full history of the product’s journey, enhancing confidence in the brand and product.

Fraud Prevention: Blockchain's immutability prevents fraudulent claims about food sources, quality, or certifications.

Regulatory Compliance: Automates compliance tracking and reporting, making it easier for food companies to adhere to regulations and for regulators to verify compliance.

Increased Efficiency: Automating processes and reducing paperwork streamlines supply chain operations, saving time and reducing errors.

Sustainability: Helps track the environmental impact of the food supply chain (e.g., carbon footprint), aiding in sustainability efforts.

Cost Reduction: Eliminates middlemen and reduces the need for paper-based verification systems, lowering administrative costs.