Blockchain applied to the traceability of animal products: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Blockchain technology, initially applied to the financial market, is recognized for its security in storing information in a decentralized manner and its ease of access to this information. An application of blockchain technology is the establishment of traceability systems for production chains. Food traceability systems are becoming increasingly important in guaranteeing the quality and safety of food to the final consumer, who, in turn, values and exercises confidence in the traceability system, recognizing its importance. This study was conducted to provide a systematic literature review on the importance of applying blockchain technology to the traceability of products of animal origin. Two scientific databases were consulted: Scopus and Web of Science. After classification based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were selected for the study. The application of blockchain technology is recent, emerging, and promising in the traceability of animal products, and it has attracted research interest worldwide. The use of blockchain technology in the traceability of products of animal origin is used in several production chains, providing consumers with long-awaited information about the origin of their food such as beef, milk, fish, meat, pork, and eggs.