Application of Blockchain Technology For Traceability in Food Chains

PROBLEM:

Last summer Cargill Meat issued a recall of 132,606 pounds of ground beef due to a deadly

E.coli outbreak. 

 

The outbreak caused 18 cases of illness, and one death.

 

Contaminated product recalls are becoming more frequent and widespread.

 

Every few months there is another recall of contaminated agricultural products.

 

A 2015 study concluded that the annual 

economic burden due to lost productivity, food waste, health related issues, and mortality from food borne illnesses in the United States has reached $55.5 billion.

Scharff RL.. Economic burden from health losses due to foodborne illness in the United States.  Food Prot. 2012

Jan;75(1):123-31. 

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SOLUTION: 

It is more important than ever to quickly trace the source of food from farm and factory to table. Blockchain  technology is a logical  way to resolve this problem.  

                                               

PROPOSAL: 

Amendment to the proposed Illinois Blockchain Technology Act: Application of Blockchain Technology For Traceability in Food Chains 

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