To assure the global traceability of its products using blockchain technology, Cargill is launching three new chicken products to consumers in China. In association with the CAFA (China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliance), the company’s Sun Valley RWA (Raised Without Antibiotics) offerings involve two fresh, whole-chicken options as well as packaged cut-up chicken parts. The products are sourced from Cargill’s new, $48.8-million combined chicken complex in Chuzhou, China, and are traded at Sun Valley’s Tmall platform as well as at China’s largest online retailer, JD.com.  

Customers can assure food safety and trace the product’s source back to the farm by utilizing CAFA’s platform, which uses an on-package QR code. According to Cargill, the scanned QR code unveils data about the product from the hatchery to production, environmental and testing data, and cooking instructions.

As part of the new RWA product launch declaration on June 10, Cargill officials also participated in a panel discussion with CAFA to detail plans to enlarge blockchain technology and its food security, and traceability attributes to the entire poultry supply chain.

“This is chicken 2.0 in China,” said Jackson Chan, managing director of Cargill Protein in China in a statement. “Our Sun Valley RWA chicken products have passed more than 100 tests to ensure high food safety and quality. Through digital innovation, we are now offering traceable protein products for the Chinese market. This launch is an important step in bringing more protein options to consumers with better traceability and product quality for local consumers.”

Dr. Sun Zhongchao, executive deputy secretary-general of CAFA, said Cargill demonstrates its commitment to quality with the project. CAFA is established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China and is focused on assuring customers with safe, high-quality food.

“CAFA and Cargill Protein China have been long-time partners in promoting food safety practices in China. Today we are happy to see that Cargill has set a great example with industry-leading standards,” he said. “We look forward to working with them and the whole industry to improve food safety and traceability.”