Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

WALMART, together with Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, IBM, and Tsinghua University’s National Engineering Laboratory for E-commerce Technologies, has announced the establishment of the country’s first blockchain food safety alliance.

The move is a step towards solidifying food tracking and hygiene efforts by taking advantage of advancements in blockchain technology, in order to enhance the transparency of the country’s food supply chain.

The four parties will work together to develop a standardized method for collecting data on food origins, safety and authenticity, and provide real-time tracking capabilities covering the entire supply chain for use by consumers and retailers.

In addition, the four will seek cooperation with food suppliers and regulators to establish standards, solutions and partnerships needed for China’s food safety ecosystem.

IBM will provide the platform and expertise in blockchain, while Tsinghua University will serve as a technical consultant, sharing its tech and China food safety ecosystem know-how.

Walmart and JD.com will also utilize the latter’s professional knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data and other new technologies to safeguard consumers’ rights.

“We look forward to deepening cooperation with IBM, Tsinghua University, JD.com and all parties in the food supply chain. By setting up standards and adopting cutting-edge technologies, our collaboration will effectively improve the traceability and transparency of food,” said Ben Hassing, senior vice president of e-commerce and technology at Walmart China.

The establishment of Blockchain Food Safety Alliance is aimed to help brand enterprises integrate online and offline management channels of food tracking while ensuring their data privacy.

Enterprises belonging to the alliance will be able to use blockchain to disseminate information and construct standardized tracking methods compatible with their particular needs and existing systems.