Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Food Traceability and Security

As the world’s population continues to grow at a rapid pace, so must our ability to feed it. To meet this need, companies are seeking new ways to enhance and expand their capabilities to safely produce and distribute food across the globe, making the journey from farm to table more complex than it once was. Although rare, food safety and security concerns do arise, and when they do, time is of the essence as public health and lives are at stake, not to mention the livelihoods of industries, companies, and employees. Because of this, food traceability has become increasingly important.

In this podcast episode, we will explore the benefits, challenges and opportunities traceability provides and how disruptive technologies like blockchain can help to revolutionize our ability to respond to critical food safety and security concerns.

Guests:

• Andy Kennedy, Interim Director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center
  With a focus on technology and food safety, Andy has worked in different technology and product development-based roles including consulting, ramping up a successful data management business, and building an selling unique medical devises. Through these he has developed overall understanding of the supply chain process including product development, sales, operations, financial management and senior management.
• Sean Leighton, Vice President of Quality and Food Safety at Cargill 
  Sean has over 15 years of experience in quality, food safety, and microbiology management, working in the US, Canada and Europe.
• Frank Yiannas, Vice President of Food Safety and Health at Walmart 
  As Vice President of Food Safety, Frank Yiannas oversees all food safety, as well as other public health functions, for the world's largest food retailer, Walmart, serving over 200 million customers around the world on a weekly basis. 

Host: Matt Teegarden, M.S., IFT Student Association Past President 2016-2017, Ph.D. Candidate, The Ohio State University

Editor’s Note: This content is part of the Institute of Food Technologists’ IFTNEXT Food Disruptors Podcast: Food Traceability and Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Food Security.

Andrew Kennedy will be speaking at the upcoming “Digital Empowers: Accelerating Innovation for Business and Social Good” May 24 in Washington, D.C. Click here to register today!