Communications of the ACM
Rfid Technology May Help in Keeping Foods Safe
Credit: official-bs.com
RFID technology has led to better safety handling of raw materials and finished products in the food industry, which is also using the technology to speed up the processing of manufactured goods and materials, according to the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Food Science.
Scientists from North Carolina State University detail in the journal the numerous applications of RFID technology in the food industry:
- Within supply chain management, RFID tags can be used to track food products during distribution and storage.
- Multiple tags can be read simultaneously and RFID technology can facilitate automated product shipments from a warehouse to a retail location.
- Freshtime RFID tags monitor the shelf life of foods to which they are attached. The tags sense temperature and integrate it over time to determine the shelf life of products.
- ThermAssureRF is a new RFID-based system that combines tracking and temperature measurement to ensure foods such as meat, fruit and dairy products remain at a safe temperature during transportation and storage. It is currently being used by companies that ship wine, produce, seafood, meat, poultry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
"The challenges that face RFID technology are read range and accuracy in retail environments, nonuniform standards, cost, recycling issues and privacy and security concerns," says lead researcher K.P. Sandeep. "Another challenge is the differences in frequencies allocated for RFID applications because each country is setting their own standards for the new technology."
To receive a copy of the RFID study, please contact Jeannie Houchins at [email protected].
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