Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

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Blockchain Application in Food Supply Chains:

A Critical Review and Agenda for Future Studies
Blessing J. Anyibama1; Kenneth K. Orjinta2; Erumusele F. Onotole3*;
Adeyemi A. Olalemi4*; Oluwakemi Temitope Olayinka 5* ; Gbeminiyi E.
Ogunwale6*; Emmanuel O. Fadipe7*; Esther O. Daniels 8*
*Authors 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Contributed Equally to This Work.

1 Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Tuskegee University, Alabama, United States
2 Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria
3
Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
4
Graduate School of Management, University of California - Davis
5 Department of Business Information Systems and Analytics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock,

Arkansas, United States

6 Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University, Macomb Illinois, United States
7
Department of Infectious diseases and Environmental Hygiene in Livestocks, University of Hohenheim,
Germany
8 Department of Industrial Engineering, Wichita State University, Kansas, United States

Publication Date: 2025/03/20

Abstract: Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a transformative tool in food supply chain management (FSCM),
offering enhanced transparency, traceability, and trust. This paper critically reviews the application of blockchain in
FSCM, synthesizing findings from theoretical and empirical studies to assess its effectiveness in addressing food safety,
fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. The review highlights blockchain's potential to improve transparency and
traceability through immutable, decentralized ledgers, enabling real-time tracking of products from farmers to
consumers. Case studies, such as IBM Food Trust's collaboration with Walmart, demonstrate significant reductions in
traceability time and improved consumer trust. Additionally, blockchain's integration with IoT and big data analytics
enhances food safety by enabling real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and automating recall processes,
thereby reducing public health risks and economic losses.

Despite its potential, the adoption of blockchain in FSCM faces several challenges, including technical complexity,
scalability issues, regulatory ambiguities, and the need for industry-wide collaboration. The review identifies gaps in the
current literature, such as the lack of comprehensive, empirically validated frameworks and longitudinal studies assessing
the long-term impacts of blockchain integration. Furthermore, the paper discusses blockchain's economic and
sustainability implications, emphasizing its role in reducing administrative costs, minimizing fraud, and optimizing
inventory management.

The review concludes with a future research agenda, recommending empirical validation of blockchain's impact,
developing hybrid systems integrating blockchain with AI and IoT, and establishing standardized regulatory frameworks.
Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, governments, and technology providers are essential to overcoming
adoption barriers and ensuring equitable benefits across the supply chain. This paper underscores the necessity for
interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration to realize blockchain's transformative potential in FSCM,
ultimately enhancing food safety, quality control, and sustainability.

Keywords: Blockchain, Food Supply Chain, Traceability, Transparency, Regulatory Compliance, IoT, AI, Sustainability.

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Volume 10, Issue 2, February – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1659

How to Cite: Blessing J. Anyibama; Kenneth K. Orjinta; Erumusele F. Onotole; Adeyemi A. Olalemi; Oluwakemi Temitope
Olayinka; Gbeminiyi E. Ogunwale; Emmanuel O. Fadipe; Esther O. Daniels (2025) Blockchain Application in Food Supply
Chains: A Critical Review and Agenda for Future Studies. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology,
10(2), 2345-2352. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1659

I. INTRODUCTION maintaining food safety, reducing waste, and enhancing

consumer trust. Traditional supply chain management
Blockchain technology (BCT) was first conceptualized systems often fail to address these challenges due to inherent
by Nakamoto (2008) as the underlying framework for limitations, such as lack of transparency, inefficiencies in
Bitcoin. It has evolved into a transformative innovation with data sharing, and vulnerability to fraud (Chang et al., 2019).
applications extending far beyond cryptocurrency.
Characterized by a decentralized, distributed ledger system, BCT is considered a transformative tool in the food
blockchain provides secure peer-to-peer transactions without supply chain industry because of its capacity to address
intermediary systems (Nakamoto, 2008). The decentralized inefficiencies related to transparency, traceability, and
and distributed ledger system features of blockchain coordination (Kamath, 2018). BCT improves FSCM by
eliminate the need for central intermediaries and provide providing a secure and transparent platform for recording
robust mechanisms for secure, peer‐to‐peer transactions and sharing transaction data among supply chain
(Nakamoto, 2008; Tapscott & Tapscott, 2016). FSCM is a participants (Christidis & Devetsikiotis, 2016). Proponents
multidimensional network involving farmers, processors, argue that blockchain can enhance traceability, reduce fraud,
distributors, retailers, and consumers. Blockchain and improve food safety by enabling real-time tracking of
technology offers a promising solution to longstanding products (Paliwal et al., 2020). Blockchain promotes supply
challenges such as data opacity and inefficiencies in chain transparency by providing real-time tracking of goods.
traceability (Chang et al., 2019). By integrating blockchain In the context of FSCM, blockchain's immutable ledger
with complementary technologies like big data analytics and ensures real-time tracking of food products from farm to
the Internet of Things (IoT), scholars and practitioners fork.
envision a future where food safety, quality control, and
regulatory adherence are significantly enhanced (Tian, 2016; Case studies such as IBM Food Trust's collaboration
Kamath, 2018). with Walmart, which reduced traceability time dramatically,
illustrate how blockchain can minimize fraud, streamline
II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND recalls, and improve consumer trust (IBM, 2020; Pilkington,
LITERATURE REVIEW 2016). Further, integrating blockchain with IoT sensors
provides granular monitoring of critical parameters (e.g.,
 Fundamental Blockchain Principles temperature and humidity), ensuring compliance with food
Blockchain is characterized by decentralization, safety standards (Tian, 2016; Feng et al., 2020). While
immutability, and transparency. Proof of Work (PoW) and numerous studies have demonstrated blockchain's potential
Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms underpin its to improve supply chain transparency and traceability,
secure operation, though debates continue over energy recent reviews also highlight gaps in empirical validation
efficiency and scalability (Eyal & Sirer, 2013; Buterin, and the challenges of large-scale implementation (Saberi et
2021). The advent of smart contracts on platforms like al., 2018; Casino et al., 2019). Issues such as technical
Ethereum has expanded blockchain's applicability to complexity, interoperability with legacy systems, and the
domains requiring automated and tamper-proof record- need for industry-wide collaboration remain significant
keeping (Buterin, 2015). Blockchain's immutability means barriers (Kshetri, 2018; Kouhizadeh et al., 2021).
that once data is recorded, it cannot be changed
retroactively. Narayanan et al. (2016) attribute this to III. RESEARCH GAP
cryptographic hashing and consensus protocols, which make
tampering economically and computationally infeasible. Although the literature on blockchain in FSCM has
This feature is particularly valuable in sectors like supply expanded in recent years, several gaps remain. First, many
chain management and finance, where auditability is critical studies focus on conceptual models or isolated case studies
(Tapscott & Tapscott, 2016). Blockchain's first application rather than comprehensive, empirically validated
was Bitcoin, a decentralized currency that challenged frameworks. Second, the practical barriers to
traditional financial systems (Nakamoto, 2008). Zyskind and implementation, including technical challenges,
Nathan (2015) further demonstrated blockchain's potential interoperability challenges, scalability limitations,
in decentralized identity management, enabling users to regulatory ambiguities that complicate cross-border
control personal data without third-party intermediaries. adoption, and stakeholder resistance, are often discussed
superficially. Finally, there is a paucity of longitudinal
 Blockchain in FSCM research assessing the long-term impacts of blockchain
The food supply chain is a diverse network involving integration in FSCM, particularly concerning cost savings,
numerous stakeholders and complex processes. The operational efficiency, and public health outcomes and its
stakeholders include farmers, processors, distributors, differential impact on small- and medium-sized enterprises
retailers, and consumers. Ensuring transparency, (SMEs) versus larger corporations. These gaps underscore
traceability, and efficiency in this network is crucial for the need for systematic empirical studies and standardized

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methodological approaches that bridge theoretical promise Feng et al. (2020) expanded on this by combining
with real-world performance. Addressing these gaps is blockchain with IoT and big data analytics, showing how
essential for developing actionable strategies that facilitate real-time monitoring of storage conditions (e.g.,
the widespread adoption of blockchain technologies. temperature) enhances transparency. These studies highlight
blockchain's potential to resolve longstanding issues like
IV. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS fraud and mislabeling, particularly in complex, globalized
supply chains. Current data reveal that consumers
 Objectives increasingly demand transparency regarding food origins
This review's broad objective is to examine the existing and safety; blockchain offers a robust solution to track
literature on blockchain applications in FSCM critically. products from source to destination and verify their
Specific aims include: authenticity (Kamilaris et al., 2019).
 Evaluate blockchain's impact on transparency,
traceability, and food safety. Traceability in food supply chains requires monitoring
 Assess the economic and sustainability implications of products across all stages, including production, processing,
using blockchain technology in FSC and distribution. Blockchain enables real-time tracking by
 Identify technical, regulatory, and collaborative barriers recording each transaction as an immutable block, creating a
to adoption. transparent audit trail. For instance, Tian (2016) proposed an
 Propose a future research agenda integrating blockchain early blockchain framework for food traceability,
with complementary emerging technologies. demonstrating how decentralized record-keeping reduces
data tampering risks. Tian (2016) further designed a
 Methods blockchain-integrated system using RFID tags to trace
The literature review was conducted systematically agricultural products, significantly reducing data tampering
using major academic databases (e.g., Web of Science, risks. This system allows stakeholders to access real-time
Scopus, Google Scholar). Keywords such as "blockchain," data on product location and handling conditions, ensuring
"food supply chain," "traceability," "transparency," and compliance with safety standards. A prominent example is
"sustainability" were used to identify peer-reviewed articles IBM's Food Trust platform, which leverages blockchain to
published between 2015 and 2023. Inclusion criteria focused streamline traceability. Walmart's collaboration with IBM
on studies addressing empirical applications, case studies, reduced the time to trace mangoes from seven days to two
and conceptual frameworks. Search strings such as: seconds, demonstrating blockchain's efficiency in mitigating
foodborne illness outbreaks (IBM, 2020). Such systems
TITLE-ABS-KEY ("Blockchain integrated with supply enhance recall accuracy, minimize waste, and build
chain" AND "Food Supply chain" AND ("Transparency" consumer trust (Feng et al., 2020).
OR "Traceability" OR "Efficiency"))
Provenance verification ensures products' origins and
were employed to capture a comprehensive spectrum authenticity, crucial for certifications like organic or
of research. The quality of the selected studies was assessed geographical indications (GIs). Blockchain's immutability
using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic provides a reliable record of a product's journey. Similarly,
Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, focusing on study Caro et al. (2018) developed a Hyperledger Fabric-based
design, data reliability, and transparency in reporting. prototype, AgriBlockIoT, which integrates IoT sensors to
Exclusion criteria were applied to eliminate studies with automate data logging, improving accuracy in perishable
incomplete data, lack of statistical analysis, or non- goods tracking. Caro et al. (2018) further implemented the
comparative designs. Studies were then critically appraised Hyperledger Fabric to track organic olive oil, verifying that
for methodological rigor, relevance, and contribution to the non-organic inputs were excluded at every stage. This
field. This systematic approach ensured the inclusion of application prevents fraud, such as false labeling of GIs like
robust evidence. Champagne or Parmigiano-Reggiano, by cryptographically
sealing data from certified farms (Kshetri,
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 2018). Blockchain also combats unethical practices in
seafood supply chains. The World Wildlife Fund's
A. Enhanced Transparency and Traceability Blockchain Supply Chain Traceability Project documented
Among the most evident advantages of blockchain how tuna catches in Fiji were recorded on a blockchain,
technology in FSCM is its ability to improve transparency ensuring legal sourcing and reducing illegal fishing
and traceability. By employing an immutable and (Kamilaris et al., 2019).
decentralized ledger of transactions, blockchain provides
supply chain actors with access to real-time data on the Blockchain's decentralized ledger provides an
movement of products from production to consumption immutable record of every transaction, thereby significantly
(Paliwal et al., 2020). This transparency can mitigate fraud enhancing supply chain transparency. Empirical evidence
and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, as any from initiatives like IBM Food Trust demonstrates that
tampering with the data would be easily detectable. blockchain can reduce traceability times from days to
seconds, enabling rapid responses during contamination
outbreaks (IBM, 2020; Kamath, 2018). Such transparency
empowers consumers to make ethical purchasing decisions.

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B. Improvement in Food Safety and Quality Control valuable during foodborne illness outbreaks, as evidenced
Blockchain provides real-time data access in the food by recent case studies (FDA, 2019).
supply chain, significantly impacting food safety. Chen et al.
(2021) illustrated its role in rapidly automating recalls by C. Economic and Sustainability Implications
pinpointing contamination sources reducing public health Blockchain streamlines supply chain operations by
risks. Astill et al. (2019) emphasized blockchain's utility in reducing administrative delays, minimizing fraud, and
verifying compliance with safety standards, such as automating processes via smart contracts. Kamble et al.
HACCP, through tamper-proof logs. Kamilaris et al. (2019) (2020) highlight that BCT eliminates intermediaries,
further noted that blockchain-enabled traceability systems enabling direct transactions between farmers, distributors,
empower consumers to verify product authenticity, fostering and retailers. Smart contracts automate payment settlements
trust in organic or ethically sourced goods. For instance, a and compliance checks, reducing processing times by up to
study by Gartner (2020) found that blockchain-based 80% in pilot projects (Queiroz & Wamba, 2019). For
systems can reduce the time and cost of tracing the point of example, using a blockchain-based system, Walmart
origin of food products, thereby reducing the risk of reduced the time it took to trace food origins from days to
foodborne illnesses through early warning systems and seconds (IBM, 2020).
improving food safety. A study by IBM (2020) highlighted
that blockchain reduces traceability time from days to Blockchain aggregates historical and real-time data
seconds, which is critical during outbreaks like E. coli in across supply chain nodes, enhancing demand forecasting
leafy greens. Rapid traceability prevents the widespread accuracy. Saberi et al. (2019) argue that BCT's decentralized
distribution of unsafe products, directly protecting consumer data-sharing framework supports machine learning models
health (FDA, 2019). Similarly, another case study by IBM for predicting consumer demand. Decentralized platforms
(2020) showcased how the supply chain of salmon was like TE-FOOD employ blockchain to analyze purchasing
tracked using blockchain technology, enabling consumers to patterns, enabling dynamic inventory adjustments
verify the authenticity and sustainability of the product. (Treiblmaier, 2018). Visible impacts include reduced waste
through accurate forecasts, lowering overproduction and
Blockchain improves food safety by enabling end-to- spoilage (FAO, 2019), and responsive supply chains where
end traceability. Each transaction, from farm to retailer, is retailers adjust orders based on real-time sales data (Kshetri,
recorded in real-time, creating an auditable trail. Quality 2018).
control in food supply chains requires continuous
monitoring of environmental conditions, handling practices, The key benefits include reduced costs as automation
and product integrity. Blockchain integrates IoT sensors and lowers labor and administrative expenses (Kshetri, 2018);
RFID tags to capture real-time temperature, humidity, and benefits also include improved trust since the immutable
contaminant exposure data. For example, Astill et al. (2019) records ensure data integrity, reducing disputes (Tian,
highlight how IoT-enabled blockchain systems track 2016).
perishable goods like dairy and meat, ensuring adherence to
cold chain requirements. Deviations trigger automated Researchers have explored blockchain's role in
alerts, enabling immediate corrective actions to prevent advancing sustainability goals. Saberi et al. (2019) identified
spoilage (Tian, 2016). In another instance, IoT sensors its capacity to incentivize ethical practices by transparently
integrated with blockchain can monitor temperature and recording certifications (e.g., Fair Trade). Kouhizadeh et al.
humidity during transportation, ensuring compliance with (2021) highlighted blockchain's environmental benefits,
safety standards (Kshetri, 2018). This granular tracking such as reducing food waste through optimized inventory
allows swift identification of contaminated products. management and carbon footprint tracking. Kamble et al.
(2020) proposed a framework integrating blockchain with
During product recalls, blockchain's transparency AI and IoT, showing improved predictive analytics for
ensures all stakeholders access unified data, enabling demand forecasting and resource allocation.
targeted removals of affected batches. Smart contracts
automate recall triggers, alerting retailers and regulators Integrating BCT with IoT sensors and RFID tags
immediately upon contamination detection (Saberi et al., enhances the real-time monitoring of food products. In an
2019). This precision minimizes over-recall, preserving agricultural case study, Tian (2016) demonstrated that
brand trust and reducing costs. The FAO (2019) estimates blockchain-enabled IoT systems provide end-to-end
that blockchain could reduce recall expenses by 30% as visibility, reducing spoilage and optimizing inventory
companies avoid broad-spectrum recalls. management. For instance, sensors track temperature and
humidity during transportation, logging data on the
By ensuring real-time access to environmental and blockchain to ensure compliance with safety standards. This
handling data, blockchain supports proactive quality control real-time tracking minimizes stockouts and overstocking,
and facilitates compliance with international food safety improving resource allocation (Kouhizadeh & Sarkis, 2018).
standards. Smart contracts enable automated recall Blockchain technology can potentially streamline processes
processes, reducing public health risks and economic losses and reduce costs in FSCM by eliminating intermediaries and
(Chen et al., 2021; Astill et al., 2019). The ability to swiftly using smart contracts to automate transactions (Christidis &
isolate and remove compromised products is especially Devetsikiotis, 2016).

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A study by Deloitte (2018) found that blockchain- proof-of-stake (PoS), have been proposed to address these
based supply chain management systems can reduce issues, their adoption in FSCM is still limited.
administrative costs by up to 30% by reducing the need for
manual data entry and eliminating paper-based processes.  Regulatory and Legal Challenges
Additionally, blockchain can advance inventory The absence of clear regulatory frameworks
management by using real-time data on product availability complicates cross-border compliance and data privacy
to control stockouts and overstocking. Industrial application issues (Kshetri, 2018; Catalini & Gans, 2020). Due to
examples include IBM Food Trust: Partners like Nestlé and fragmented documentation and auditing processes,
Carrefour use blockchain to trace products like mangoes and compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA's
milk, cutting recall times by 90% (IBM, 2020). Retailers FSMA, EU's General Food Law) is a persistent challenge.
like Carrefour implemented the IBM Food Trust; this Regulation for blockchain technology is still evolving, and
platform tracks products like chicken, ensuring real-time there is a lack of clarity regarding the legal implications of
data sharing. Carrefour reported a 28% increase in customer its adoption in FSCM. Issues such as data privacy,
trust post-implementation (IBM, 2020). Walmart's Pork intellectual property rights, and liability in the case of fraud
Tracking in China traced pork slices to their source in or data breaches need to be addressed (Kshetri, 2018).
seconds, showcasing blockchain's scalability (Kamath, Additionally, the cross-border nature of food supply chains
2018). Blockchain reduces administrative overheads by adds complexity to regulatory compliance, as different
eliminating intermediaries and automating processes. Waste countries may have different regulations regarding
reduction and improved inventory management also blockchain and food safety. Regulatory uncertainty persists,
contribute to economic and environmental sustainability, with governments struggling to classify cryptocurrencies
aligning with global sustainability goals (Kamble et al., and enforce cross-border compliance. Catalini and Gans
2020; Kouhizadeh & Sarkis, 2018). (2016) emphasize the need for frameworks balancing
innovation and consumer protection. Werbach (2018) warns
D. Adoption Challenges of BCT in FSCM that overly restrictive policies could stifle blockchain's
The adoption of blockchain technology in FSCM is not potential.
without challenges despite its potential benefits. The
following barriers hinder widespread blockchain adoption in  Industry-Wide Collaboration
FSCM: Effective blockchain implementation requires
consensus among diverse stakeholders, which is often
 Technical Complexity and Scalability impeded by competitive dynamics and data-sharing
The technical complexity of implementing and concerns (Accenture, 2018; Galvez et al., 2018). The
maintaining blockchain systems is among the significant success of blockchain in FSCM depends on the willingness
challenges. There are concerns about blockchain of all supply chain participants to adopt and collaborate on
technology's scalability, interoperability, and energy the platform. However, achieving industry-wide
consumption (Bonneau et al., 2016). Integrating blockchain collaboration can be challenging due to competitive
with existing IT infrastructure can be costly and time- dynamics, data-sharing concerns, and the lack of a
consuming, particularly for small and medium-sized standardized framework for blockchain adoption (Paliwal et
enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the necessary technical al., 2020). For example, a study by Accenture (2018) found
expertise (Kshetri, 2018). Describing organizational hurdles, that 73% of supply chain executives believe blockchain will
Kshetri (2018) noted scalability issues, especially the require significant collaboration among industry players, but
energy-intensive consensus mechanisms such as Proof-of- only 32% are confident in collaborating effectively. Galvez
Work, as impractical for large-scale supply chains. PoW et al. (2018) identified resistance from stakeholders
blockchains, notably Bitcoin, consume vast amounts of accustomed to centralized systems, compounded by a lack
energy. Vranken (2017) estimates that Bitcoin's annual of regulatory frameworks. Caro et al. (2018) also stressed
energy use rivals that of small countries. Buterin (2021) the interoperability challenges between blockchain
advocates transitioning to PoS, as Ethereum has done, to platforms and legacy IT systems. Diverse blockchain
reduce environmental impact. For example, energy platforms (e.g., Hyperledger, Ethereum) and legacy systems
consumption associated with blockchain mining, struggle to integrate, hindering seamless data sharing (Feng
particularly in proof-of-work (PoW) based systems, has et al., 2020). Additionally, interoperability between
raised environmental concerns (Stoll et al., 2019). disparate blockchain systems is critical for global supply
chains but remains underdeveloped (Feng et al., 2020).
Integration with legacy systems remains challenging, Legacy systems struggle to integrate with blockchain
and energy-intensive consensus mechanisms such as PoW (Kouhizadeh et al., 2021).
pose scalability concerns (Croman et al., 2016; Vranken,
2017). Blockchain networks face scalability issues; Bitcoin E. Critical Evaluation
processes only seven transactions per second (tps), While literature illustrates numerous benefits, most
compared to Visa's 24,000 tps (Croman et al., 2016). studies are still at a conceptual or pilot stage. Longitudinal
Solutions like dividing the network into smaller segments research is needed to evaluate blockchain's long-term impact
and layer-2 protocols aim to address this (Zhang & Lee, on FSCM performance. Integrative approaches that combine
2020). While alternative consensus mechanisms, such as blockchain with AI, IoT, and digital twins could address
these limitations, yet such hybrid systems require further

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empirical validation (Franco et al., 2020; Rejeb et al., 2020). stakeholder resistance, and regulatory gaps. Future research
While the literature highlights the potential benefits of should focus on scalable, interoperable solutions and
blockchain in FSCM, there is a need for more empirical empirical studies on real-world implementations. BCT
evidence to support its widespread adoption. Many studies offers robust solutions for quality control and compliance in
are still at the conceptual or pilot stage, and there is limited food supply chains, enhancing transparency and reducing
research on the long-term impact of blockchain on FSCM risks. Although challenges like data integrity and
performance. Despite its potential, blockchain faces interoperability persist, collaborations between
adoption barriers. Small-scale farmers and SMEs often lack governments, tech firms, and producers such as IBM Food
the resources and infrastructure to integrate blockchain, Trust and EU GI initiatives demonstrate their potential.
risking exclusion from modern supply chains and Future efforts should prioritize scalable, inclusive designs to
exacerbating inequalities in supply chains (Kshetri, 2018). ensure equitable benefits across the supply chain
Saberi et al. (2019) posit that initial implementation ecosystem. Blockchain significantly enhances food supply
expenses deter small suppliers. Furthermore, the challenges chain efficiency by enabling real-time tracking and data-
associated with blockchain adoption, such as technical driven forecasting. While challenges remain, its integration
complexity and regulatory uncertainty, must be carefully with IoT and AI promises to reduce waste, lower costs, and
considered before implementing blockchain-based improve responsiveness. Collaborative efforts among
solutions. stakeholders are critical to overcoming technical and
economic barriers.
Data integrity remains another concern; inaccurate
initial data inputs undermine blockchain's reliability, and Blockchain revolutionizes food supply chains by
errors from faulty sensors or manual inputs compromise ensuring safety and efficient recalls. Through case studies
reliability (Tian, 2016). Furthermore, regulatory and technological integration, it demonstrates significant
fragmentation exists as global supply chains face conflicting potential to safeguard public health and reduce economic
national regulations, complicating blockchain's waste. Widespread adoption, however, requires industry
standardization (Treiblmaier, 2018). Scalability is also collaboration and standardization. BCT significantly
challenging as high energy consumption and slow enhances traceability and provenance in food supply chains,
transaction speeds limit large-scale use (Zheng et al., 2020). fostering transparency and trust. While challenges like
adoption barriers and data integrity persist, ongoing
VI. LIMITATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR advancements and collaborations (e.g., IBM Food Trust)
PRACTICE highlight their transformative potential. Future research
should address scalability and inclusivity to ensure equitable
This review is limited by the predominance of benefits across the supply chain.
conceptual studies in current literature, highlighting the need
for more robust empirical research. For practitioners, the RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH
findings suggest that while blockchain offers substantial AGENDA
benefits regarding traceability and transparency, its
successful implementation depends on overcoming technical  Recommendations
and regulatory challenges. Therefore, policymakers and  Empirical Validation: Longitudinal and large-scale
industry leaders must collaborate to develop standardized empirical studies should be conducted to quantify
frameworks that facilitate blockchain integration across blockchain's impact on cost savings, efficiency, and food
diverse supply chain networks. safety outcomes.
 Technological Integration: Hybrid systems integrating
VII. CONCLUSIONS blockchain with IoT, AI, and digital twins should be
explored to enhance predictive analytics and operational
Blockchain technology has the potential to efficiency.
revolutionize FSCM by enabling end-to-end transparency,  Regulatory Frameworks: Standardized regulatory
enhancing food safety, and reducing operational guidelines should be developed to harmonize blockchain
inefficiencies. However, transitioning from pilot projects to applications across international food supply chains.
full-scale implementation requires addressing significant  Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborative initiatives
technical, regulatory, and collaborative barriers. This review among industry players, governments, and technology
highlights the necessity for interdisciplinary research and providers should be fostered to create interoperable
cross-sector collaboration to realize blockchain's blockchain systems.
transformative potential in FSCM. Blockchain technology  SME Accessibility: Strategies to lower SMEs' barriers to
can revolutionize food supply chain management by adopting blockchain technology should be investigated
enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency. to ensure equitable benefits across the supply chain.
However, its adoption is not without challenges, including
technical complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and the need  Future Research Agenda
for industry-wide collaboration. BCT offers significant The outcome of this comprehensive review suggests
benefits for food supply chains, including improved that future studies should focus on:
traceability, safety, and sustainability. However, widespread
adoption requires addressing technical limitations,

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 Evaluating the long-term performance of blockchain- [10]. Chen, S., Liu, X., Yan, J., Hu, G., & Shi, Y. (2021).
enabled FSCM systems through field experiments and Processes, benefits, and challenges for the adoption of
case studies. blockchain technologies in food supply chains: A
 Investigating energy-efficient consensus algorithms and thematic analysis. Information Systems and e-Business
scalable blockchain architectures. Management, 19, 909–935.
 Examining the socio-economic impacts of blockchain https://doi.org/10.1007/s10257-020-00467-3
adoption, particularly regarding SME inclusion and [11]. Christidis, K., & Devetsikiotis, M. (2016). Blockchains
consumer trust. and smart contracts for the internet of things. IEEE
 Integrating blockchain with emerging technologies to Access, 4, 2292-2303.
create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable supply chain https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2016.2566923
networks (Casino et al., 2019; Rejeb et al., 2020). [12]. Croman, K., et al. (2016). On scaling decentralized
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