FDA Goes Blockchain

Highlights

• THE Food and Drug Administration of the USA to hold a conference to discuss Blockchain and AI
• The FDA recognizes the influence and prospects of using Blockchain in Supply chain and other innovations
• The initiative proposes to deploy technologies so users can trace the source of food products and assess associated risks

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding a public meeting to discuss a new initiative called “A New Era of Smarter Food Safety.” In an announcement on Sept. 17, the FDA said the consultation with international stakeholders will take place on Oct. 21.

Specifically, the FDA intends to establish “a more digital, traceable, and safer system” to protect consumers from contaminated food.

The initiative proposes to deploy technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and sensors to develop a digital system so users can trace the source of food products and assess associated risks.

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform and improve the food industry as many retailers and producers are beginning to apply it. Just recently, Nestlé said it had to adopt a “startup mindset” in order to push ahead with its challenging blockchain venture.

Recent research conducted by University College London suggested that the grocery sector is currently responsible for nearly half of all distributed ledger technology-based supply chain projects.