Evolution of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Agricultural Cold Chain Monitoring: A Literature Review

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology providing considerable opportunities to improve quality control for perishable foods. Over the past decade, a significant improvement in RFID application has been observed in cold chain monitoring. The aim of this paper is to, first, demonstrate the role of RFID in improving the monitoring of the agricultural products cold chain. Particular focus is placed on the specifications of RFID and its advantages, which makes its application appealing in food temperature monitoring. Second, this paper aims to provide an overview of RFID developments in cold chain monitoring. For this purpose, we conduct a review of the literature throughout 2004-2018 citing the challenges of this technology’s practical implementation in temperature monitoring of perishables, and provide the solutions presented in the literature for each limitation. This survey would be beneficial for those involved in food distribution, as it offers approaches for overcoming the limitations of RFID, making its application more advantageous.