Abdulaziz Al-Saab, Amal A.M. Elgharbawy Elgharbawy
This study presents a bibliometric and critical review of global research on halal food control systems, with particular attention to countries developing new halal regulatory frameworks, including Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region. A systematic review of Scopus-indexed publications from 2010 to 2025 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The final global corpus comprised 847 peer-reviewed articles analysed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny through co-authorship, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution analyses. An additional subset of 82 Arab-region studies, covering Gulf Cooperation Council and wider Arab League states, was manually coded using the FAO/WHO five-component national food control system framework. The field grew at an annual rate of 18.3%, with Malaysia and Indonesia contributing 43% and 28% of publications, respectively. Five major research clusters were identified: fatwa-based legislation; multi-agency governance; inspection, enforcement, and laboratory systems; information, education, communication, and training; and emerging technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence. Despite rapid growth, the literature remains geographically concentrated, theoretically underdeveloped, methodologically homogeneous, and largely silent on the cost-benefit implications of halal control systems. Few studies integrate Maqasid al-Shariâah with risk-management approaches or examine halal governance as a complete regulatory system. By applying the FAO/WHO framework, this review moves beyond isolated certification and supply-chain perspectives. It demonstrates that Arab-region halal governance exhibits a distinctive âlaw-rich but evidence-poorâ profile and proposes a research agenda addressing institutional performance, empirical evidence, regulatory effectiveness, and economic trade-offs.
Deepak Gupta, Temur Eshchanov, Jabbarov Umarbek, Berdiyev Anvar Abduraxmanovich ¡ 6 authors
The global halal industry faces critical challenges in ensuring product authenticity, supply chain transparency, and consumer trust. This chapter examines the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in revolutionizing halal product verification and market analysis. Through comprehensive analysis of machine learning, computer vision, blockchain integration, and advanced analytical techniques, we explore how AI-driven solutions address authentication challenges, detect adulteration, and enhance traceability across halal supply chains. The chapter synthesizes current research on deep learning applications for food fraud detection, spectroscopic analysis coupled with chemometrics, DNA barcoding for species identification, and distributed ledger technologies for certification management. We present frameworks for implementing AI-powered verification systems, discuss technological barriers and opportunities, and propose strategic recommendations for stakeholders.
The rapid expansion of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has enabled open and permissionless token trading, but it has also led to a surge in fraudulent activities such as rug pulls, wash trading, and pump-and-dump schemes. This paper presents a novel fraud detection approach based on correlation analysis between token price and liquidity, leveraging the inherent relationship between these two market variables. In legitimate markets, price movements are typically supported by corresponding changes in liquidity, whereas fraudulent tokens often exhibit abnormal or decoupled behavior due to artificial price manipulation. To investigate this, we analyze time-series data of token price and liquidity across multiple decentralized exchanges and compute statistical correlation metrics alongside liquidity variation patterns. Experimental results show that legitimate tokens maintain strong positive correlations (r > 0.7) between price and liquidity, while fraudulent tokens exhibit weak or unstable correlations (r < 0.3), often accompanied by sudden liquidity withdrawals or artificial volume spikes. The proposed framework achieves high detection performance with an accuracy of 92.4%, precision of 90.1%, recall of 93.6%, and F1-score of 91.8%, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying suspicious tokens at early stages. The findings confirm that deviations in priceâliquidity correlation serve as a reliable and computationally efficient indicator for fraud detection in DeFi ecosystems. This approach can be integrated with existing blockchain analytics tools to enhance real-time monitoring and improve investor protection.
The fisheries sector plays a critical role in Indonesia's economy. However, current implementations remain fragmented, leading to significant challenges in data reliability and verification. This fragmentation constrains cross-stakeholder verification and regulatory compliance across Aruna's ecosystem. Existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems offer limited transparency and lack end-to-end certification workflows. This study proposes a blockchain-enabled traceability model that integrates an ERP system with QR-based verification technology to ensure verifiable provenance. Data were gathered through business-process mapping, systematic literature review, and in-depth stakeholder interviews. The model was evaluated and validated through online interview sessions with Aruna stakeholders to ensure practical applicability and business alignment. Smart contracts are utilized to automate critical batch creation, catch logging, quality control, role-based access control, and certification binding (SKP, HC, HACCP) to batch records. A QR interface enables on-demand access to verifiable batch histories for authorized internal users, regulators, buyers, and consumers. A proof-of-concept was implemented on a Polygon-compatible local Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) through sequential transactions. Stakeholder validation indicated that the model improved traceability integrity, reduced manual checks at handover points, and enhanced the credibility of certification data. By strengthening verifiable provenance, inclusion of small-scale fishers, and compliance efficiency within Aruna's ecosystem, the approach aligns with SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth and SDG 14 on life below water.
The rise of counterfeit medicines poses serious health risks to the public and threatens the credibility of pharmaceutical companies. Blockchain technology is gaining attention for its potential to enhance the security and transparency of the pharmaceutical supply chain. This study compares the performance of two blockchain platforms, Ethereum and Nexus, in detecting and preventing counterfeit drugs. A virtual observation system was used to examine how Ethereum and Nexus addressed major challenges in counterfeit drug prevention. Two specialists with expertise in both blockchain technology and healthcare evaluated the platforms using two assessment tools: The Global Quality Scale (GQS) to measure overall effectiveness and the modified DISCERN scale to assess credibility of the information. Nexus outperformed Ethereum in both effectiveness and credibility. Evaluator 1 reported median GQS scores of 4.5 for Nexus and 3.8 for Ethereum, while Evaluator 2 reported scores of 4.2 and 3.8, respectively. These findings indicate that Nexus demonstrated higher efficiency in detecting fake drugs and ensuring supply chain integrity. Blockchain technology shows promise in strengthening pharmaceutical supply chain security. Between the two platforms studied, Nexus was found to be more effective than Ethereum in preventing counterfeit drugs. These results provide valuable insights for pharmaceutical stakeholders and policymakers seeking to implement blockchain-based solutions for drug tracking and security.
ABSTRACT Nonâfungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets that represent the ownership of unique items that can be bought or sold using cryptocurrency. This comprehensive analysis of NFT involved a literature search conducted in February 2025. A total of 963 publications were initially identified from the Scopus database. Following meticulous screening, analysis, and evaluation, 734 relevant and highâquality documents were selected for further examination, employing rigorous discussions, voting, and critical appraisal. The literature review on NFTs highlighted several frequently coâoccurring keywords, including Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Commerce, Ethereum, Digital Assets, Metaverse, Decentralization, Digital Storage, Cryptocurrency, and Distributed Ledger. This study organizes NFT research into 10 distinct categories through a combination of review and text mining techniques. These categories include âpricing, marketing, and investment,â âapplication of NFTs,â âart,â âgames and metaverse,â âbenefits, drawbacks, and review papers,â âsecurityâ, âlaw and ownership,â âsystem for NFT and extending of NFT,â âSupply chain management,â and âAI.â For each category, the research questions and their corresponding answers are mapped. Additionally, the study developed a comprehensive framework to establish connections between research categories, providing valuable insights into expanding NFT adoption. Finally, this research investigates the challenges associated with the application of NFTs and explores potential future research directions.
ABSTRACT We investigate why and how businesses and entrepreneurs adopt and implement blockchain technology to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of seafood supply chains. We conduct interviews with entrepreneurs and smallâ to mediumâsized enterprises (SMEs) â specifically fishers, aquaculturists and restaurants â using new blockchain platforms to increase the traceability and trackability of seafood in Australia. Drawing on innovation adoption theory, we examine drivers and barriers to trading seafood via these innovative platforms, compared to traditional trading routes â such as through wholesalers. Benefits for seafood buyers included greater freshness, less waste, valueâadding the customer experience and supporting locally sourced products. Benefits for sellers included price security and transparency, and the marketing and branding opportunities that the platforms enabled through social media. Challenges regarded distrust, competition, uncertain product availability and the tangibility of seafood, which â unlike cryptocurrency â requires transport, packaging and processing, meaning potential efficiencies could become constrained by supply chain logistics.
Duc Tran, Filisia Melissari, Samuel Le FÊon, Andreas Papadakis ¡ 9 authors
⢠The blockchain traceability system caused inconsiderate environmental impacts. ⢠Using blockchain system is profitable if consumers pay more for traceable products. ⢠Blockchain-based traceability systems can be applied to different production scale. ⢠Energy consumption for a mixed (private and public) blockchain is not high. The implementation of blockchain (BC) technology in food traceability has attracted the attention of both scholars and practitioners because this technology enhances transparency and efficiency. While previous studies have attempted to assess the technical performance of BC-based applications, comprehensive economic and environmental assessments of BC-based food traceability systems are lacking. This study performs a technical, environmental and economic assessment of BC-based food traceability using a private BC (Quorum) and a public BC (Ethereum). The case study is the production of protected designation of origin feta cheese in Greece. The proposed BC-based system was found to have insignificant environmental impacts when compared to the existing impacts of feta production. Furthermore, the implementation of BC-based food traceability was found to be profitable for dairy producers when consumersâ willingness to pay a price premium for BC-based traceable products is taken into account. Sensitivity analyses under different scaling-up scenarios, from a purely technical perspective (i.e. increase in transaction volume and frequency) to scaling production, emphasised the potential benefits of BC-based food traceability from a scalability perspective.
The transition from paper-based to digital records has significantly enhanced healthcare practices, including the management of farm animal health.Electronic Health Records (EHRs), referred to as Animal Medical Records (AMRs), are essential for improving clinical workflows, supporting evidence-based decisions, and advancing veterinary research.However, the adoption of digital records introduces challenges related to data security, quality, and interoperability.This paper explores the use of blockchain technology to address these challenges.We propose a blockchain-based system for managing AMRs that leverages Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and smart contracts to ensure data integrity, transparency, and accessibility.The system is evaluated through a proof-of-concept deployment on four EVM-supported platforms: BNB Smart Chain, Celo, Fantom, and Polygon.Our findings indicate that blockchain technology can enhance the security and efficiency of managing electronic health records for farm animals.
Neha Dhirendra Sirur, Uma M Hiremath, Srajana Naik, Vats Mishra
The widespread issue of counterfeit products in India's food supply chain poses significant threats to product quality, food safety, and consumer trust. The study proposes a robust solution by combining blockchain technology with Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to enhance security, transparency, and traceability in the food industry. By integrating a web-based verification tool with the Ethereum blockchain, the system establishes a tamper-proof, decentralized ledger that meticulously tracks the origin of products. A comprehensive web application is developed to facilitate product authentication through QR code technology. Key stakeholders, including the central government (CG), state governments (SG), and district-level Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), utilize this platform to verify product authenticity at every stage of the supply chain, ensuring high data integrity and transparency. The system enables the central government, state governments, and APMCs to interact with the blockchain by adding their respective transaction blocks without modifying others' blocks. Contracts for each of these entities are developed and implemented, with Ganache utilized for local testing on a private network. The user interface, designed using React, leverages Web3.js to facilitate interactions with the Ethereum blockchain, MetaMask serves as the wallet for accessing the blockchain, with Ganache accounts imported for seamless integration. The CG logs in to generate a Quick Response(QR) code for each product and enters relevant product information. The SG scans the QR code to verify the product's authenticity and ensure it meets standards. The district APMC conducts the final verification, checking that the product's supply chain history aligns with its physical location. Blockchain technology improves counterfeit detection by providing a secure and transparent record of product provenance.
The demand of the halal food products is increasing rapidly around the world. The consumption of halal food product is just not among the Muslims but also among non-Muslims, due to the purity of the halal food products. However, there are several challenges that are faced by the halal food consumers. The challenges raise a doubt among the halal food consumers about the authenticity of the product being halal. Therefore, a solution that can address these issues and can establish trust between consumers and producers. Blockchain technology can provide a distributed ledger of an immutable record of the information. Artificial intelligence supports developing a solution for pattern identification. The proposed research utilizes blockchain an artificial intelligence-based system for developing a system that ensure the authenticity of the halal food products by providing the traceability related to all the operations and processes of the supply chain and sourcing the raw material. The proposed system has been tested with a local supermarket. The results and tests of the developed solution seemed effective and the testers expressed interest in real-world implementation of the proposed system.
This study presents a blockchain-based traceability system designed specifically for the olive oil supply chain, addressing key challenges in transparency, quality assurance, and fraud prevention. The system integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology with a decentralized blockchain framework to provide real-time monitoring of critical quality metrics. A practical web application, linked to the Ethereum blockchain, enables stakeholders to track each stage of the supply chain via tamper-proof records. Key functionalities include smart contracts that automate quality checks, ensuring data integrity and providing immediate verification of product authenticity. Initial user feedback highlights the system's potential to enhance transparency and reduce fraud risks in the olive oil market, supporting consumer trust and regulatory compliance. This approach offers a scalable solution adaptable to other high-value agricultural products, demonstrating the blockchain's transformative potential for secure and transparent food traceability.
Fish Supply Chain (FSC) industry faces a significant challenge in terms of maintaining fish quality and authenticity throughout the chain. The main goal of modern FSC systems is tracking and tracing the fish products at each stage, from harvester to consumer, while also ensuring their quality and authenticity. Integrating FSC with new technologies, such as Blockchain (BC), Artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), enhances fish product traceability, authenticity, visibility, and security. In this work, we propose a BC-based FSC framework characterized by a layered architecture consisting of a SC layer, an IoT layer, and a BC layer. BC enhances traceability, ensures transparency, and facilitates automation as well as incorporates distributed ledger technology (DLT) that ensures the integrity and security of FSC data. We integrate an innovative AI-based hand-held device, a Quality, Adulteration & Traceability (QAT) device, that is developed by our team to identify fish species and assess fish quality. We leverage the key features of BC and smart contracts, deployed over the Ethereum platform, to support the proposed framework. This integration, alongside QAT technology, is introduced to enhance efficiency and transparency within FSC processes. Extensive validation of smart contracts is conducted to prove its practical feasibility.
The Fish Supply Chain (FSC) industry faces a significant challenge in efficiently and affordably preserving fish quality and detecting adulteration throughout the chain. Quality, Adulteration and Traceability (QAT) is a multi-mode spectroscopy and AI-based handheld device that is developed by our team to identify fish species and assess fish freshness that can be integrated into the FSC ecosystem. We conducted a survey interviewing professionals across the FSC, including harvesters, processors, distributors, and retailers and queried them about how they evaluate fish freshness and the major issues faced in freshness inspection and fraud detection. We learned that traditional sensory evaluation and electronic noses are the most common methods used for fish quality and freshness assessment. QAT technology will play a role as a substitute for current methods and will offer rapid results for fish species identification, quality assessment, and nutritional content analysis. Blockchain (BC), as a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), can be integrated with FSC to securely monitor and record fish quality and freshness values each step of the FSC. This helps in maintaining product integrity and provides stakeholders with access to the entire journey of the fish product. We extend our experiments to study the degradation of fish freshness throughout the FSC to trigger the system once the rate of decay exceeds a certain limit. These results should be used so BC integration with smart contracts be able to compare its freshness grade to the history of recorded values. If the degradation in freshness exceeds the expected range, then the smart contract should raise an alarm to alert the system. In this way, BC-based FSC incorporating QAT technology is able to detect any degradation and flag products that may have compromised freshness or quality. This integration of technologies not only promises to revolutionize the FSC but also addresses issues like fraud and illegal fishing activities, ultimately delivering higher-quality and more transparent fish products to consumers.
Manuel Luna, SimĂłn FernĂĄndez-VĂĄzquez, Emilio TereĂąes Castelao, Ălvaro Arias FernĂĄndez
In light of the current global scenario, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations for the aquaculture supply chain are more demanding than ever. The latest EU strategies for aquaculture aim to ensure its economic, environmental, and social long-term sustainability through green, technological, and social transformations. This objective is as ambitious as it is complex, involving not only the enhancement of key sustainability aspects but also the assurance of transparency, trust, and security standards across the entire supply chain. In this context, the present paper proposes a novel blockchain framework, along with the strategic implementation of smart contracts, specifically designed to effectively address the prevalent environmental challenges within the aquaculture supply chain.
This study highlights both theoretical as well as practical contributions to improving traceability in supply chain management with special focus on the fish supply chain. As a theoretical contribution, it highlights how blockchain technology can contribute to improving supply chain transparency in various sectors by providing real-time visibility. Concerning practical contributions, this study adopted a case study approach in the Philippines to track and trace the fish supply chain from bait to plate. It deploys a project titled âTracyâ, a blockchain-based information technology artifact to support fishermen in the Philippines, who are facing numerous challenges in the seafood industry such as different standards and regulations, requirements for international exports, catch certification, etc. This study specifically contributes to developing a smartphone app through the Tracy project that allows fishermen to view the history of their fish captures and exchanges (such as the name of the fish species, weight, and length of the fish, date of capture, and vessel name). The update of transaction histories, the identity of the fishermen, and the amount of fish that has to be sold are additional updates also made possible by this app. This research study concludes with overall study outcomes and limitations with future research.
Food product safety and quality are considered to be of the utmost significance on a global scale. Highly publicized food safety incidents have significantly increased public interest in food traceability, defined as âthe ability to track any food, feed, food-producing animal or substance that will be used for consumption, through all stages of production, processing, and distributionâ (European Union). The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that governments, producers, and consumers work together to ensure food safety, which calls for the dissemination of pertinent information throughout complex food value networks. Therefore, it is in the best interest of profit-driven businesses to implement information systems for tracking food goods, a significant byproduct of which is the likelihood of increased profitability. This paper aims to explore the ample possibilities for such implementations that are now available thanks to blockchain technology. In particular, the goal is to explore the dynamics of this technology and identify how it helps to create good customer relationships. For this purpose, the case of Lavazza, an important Italian roasted coffee company that has recently introduced a blockchain-tracked product to the market, is analyzed in detail, including all the steps that made the application of the technology possible and how it was finally communicated to the consumer. The case study offers a concrete example that resulted from both stakeholdersâ internal need for greater traceability and consumersâ external need for greater transparency regarding the companyâs sourcing processes. In this pilot project, collaboration among all the entities that are part of the chain was essential to delivering a formative, customized, and ultimately, easy-to-understand experience to the end consumer. Finally, Lavazza is an example of a company that decided to challenge itself by following a trend that will be increasingly present in future socioeconomic scenarios.