Insights and Learnings From the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Exploring the Use of Blockchains

Abstract

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) initiated this report to assess the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing food traceability and safety within the UK food system. Motivated by the need for greater transparency, trust, and efficiency in food supply chains, the report builds on the FSA’s initial blockchain trials in meat processing plants. These early experiments demonstrated the feasibility of using distributed ledger technology (DLT) to securely record and share food chain data. The report’s primary aim is to evaluate the lessons learned from these trials and to outline strategic next steps for broader implementation. Objectives include identifying technical, regulatory, and governance challenges, exploring stakeholder perspectives, and proposing a roadmap for integrating blockchain into existing food assurance frameworks. Through this work, the FSA seeks to inform future policy and innovation in digital food regulation.