IBM, Walmart, JD.com and Tsinghua University said they will collaborate on blockchain tools for food tracking, traceability and safety in China's supply chain.
The four entities will work in a Blockchain Food Safety Alliance that aims to create a standard for collecting data on origin, safety and authenticity of food using blockchain technology for traceability. Real-time transparency has been difficult due to paper-based systems and multiple players in the food chain.
Here's how the work will be distributed:
Walmart, IBM and Tsinghua University have piloted blockchain in the food supply chain previously. The aim is to track food from farm to store in near real time.
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In August, IBM launched its blockchain food supply efforts via a collaboration with Dole, Driscoll's, Golden State Foods, Kroger, McCormick and Company, McLane Company, Nestlé, Tyson Foods, Unilever and Walmart.
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