Revisiting Traceability of Vegetable Fresh‐Products in the EU : Why Blockchain Does (Not) Work?
I. Tasic, R. R. Benaissa, P. A. Gómez, J. A. Fernandez, M.‐D. Cano ABSTRACT
Food safety is paramount for a healthy society. Traceability provides the means for a rapid response to any type of food‐related problem at any stage of the supply chain. This study delves into the application of blockchain technology in tracking vegetable products within the European Union's regulatory framework. It addresses the significant gap between the theoretical potential of blockchain and its practical implementation challenges, such as integration with existing systems, scalability, and cost. Here, we show that while blockchain offers enhanced traceability and transparency, substantial barriers are posed for its adoption. This research reveals that the effectiveness of blockchain in real‐world applications is less straightforward than previously anticipated, challenging the notion of blockchain as a one‐size‐fits‐all solution for food traceability. The findings contribute to a better understanding of technology application in food safety, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions that consider both technological capabilities and practical constraints.