White Papers

By Mariana Candela, T’24 CDS Fellow

This paper investigates the critical role of traceability in transforming the food industry, emphasizing its importance for food safety, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. With technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI-powered systems paving the way, the paper explores how companies can leverage these tools to enhance transparency while addressing challenges such as data authenticity, system interoperability, and the digital divide.

Highlighting regulatory frameworks like the FDA’s FSMA Rule 204, case studies, and cross-industry learnings from fashion brands such as Asket, the paper outlines a comprehensive framework for implementing responsible traceability practices. It stresses the need for businesses to adopt a holistic approach that integrates traceability into core strategies, going beyond compliance to foster consumer trust and brand differentiation.

The paper advocates for embedding transparency, sustainability, and innovation as central values, demonstrating how these efforts can align with consumer demand for informed, ethical, and environmentally conscious consumption. By addressing current limitations and leveraging emerging technologies, this work positions traceability as a vital mechanism for shaping a sustainable future in food production and consumption.

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Click here or the image below to watch Mariana’s research presentation