Food traceability systems and innovations in novel foods: evaluating methodologies and blockchain relevance: Addressing novel foods consumer acceptance challenges and enhancing food tracking through traceability systems

This study examines how food traceability systems can enhance consumer acceptance of novel foods through enhanced supply chain transparency and reviews the integration of blockchain for improved traceability. Food traceability systems operate across physical, information, and governance layers and concern a wide variety of methodologies. An assessment framework was designed to identify and prioritise the most suitable approaches for different supply chain contexts. Developed and tested during expert workshops, it incorporated key criteria identified by experts to ensure it addressed real-world challenges in food traceability. Its relevance was demonstrated, particularly for novel foods such as plant-based meat replacers. The findings highlight the importance of a structured approach to traceability, showing how blockchain and traceability techniques can improve transparency while acknowledging challenges such as adoption barriers and regulatory inconsistencies.