Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to supply chain management systems and, more particularly, to the field offood supply chain tracking and monitoring. Specifically, the invention pertains to the integration ofblockchain technology with Internet of Things (loT) devices and smart contracts to create a decentralized, tamper-proof, and transparent system for tracking food products throughout various stages of the supply chain � including production, processing, transportation, storage, and retail distribution. This invention addresses critical issues in food safety, authenticity, traceability, and consumer transparency. Background of the Invention The food industry is one of the most essential and widespread sectors in the global economy, yet it remains plagued by persistent issues related to transparency, traceability, and accountability. Modem food supply chains are complex, often spanning multiple countries and involving numerous intermediaries, including producers, processors, transporters, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, .and regulatory bodies. Each stage in this chain is a potential point of failure in terms of data integrity, product quality, and food safety. Traditional supply chain management systems are typically centralized, opaque, and siloed. Information is often manually recorded or stored in disparate digital systems that do not communicate with each other. This fragmentation makes it difficult to obtain a complete and reliable record of a food product's lifecycle. As a result; stakeholders face significant challenges in identifying the source of contamination during a foodbome illness outbreak, verifying the authenticity of organic or certified products, and ensuring that perishable goods are stored and transported under proper conditions. �� ~rAT F.N T en OFfTfF r: HEN N /� .. I. 1 f,: )7 r. ..... - Food fraud including mislabeling, adulteration, and counterfeiting is another growing concern, particularly in high-value sectors like organic produce, meat, seafood, and spices. The lack of verifiable proof regarding a product's origin and journey undermines consumer confidence and creates vulnerabilities in public health systems. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies require accurate reporting and compliance documentation, which can be difficult to manage manually across multiple touchpoints. Recent advances in digital technologies have prompted interest in creating more secure, transparent, and efficient food supply chains. Blockchain technology, in particular, presents a promising solution. A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions in an immutable and transparent manner. When applied to the food supply chain, blockchain allows every stakeholder to record, access, and verify transactions in real time without relying on a centralized authority. Every data entry becomes part of a secure, chronological chain that cannot be altered retroactively, ensuring trustworthiness and traceability. Moreover, the integration oflnternet of Things (loT) devices, such as temperature . ��~ and humidity sensors, GPS modules, and RFID/QR code scanners, adds a powerful layer Ill �fl.. of automation and real-time monitoring. For example, perishable food products can be Q) � :;::::; continuously monitored during transport to ensure compliance with storage guidelines. -1- N E.... 0 LL. ,_ CIO (0 -::1' CIO ."0.". '.". -::1' 1.1') N 0 ~ en M""'" N -CIO 1.1') N 0 N I C) ::I Smart contracts self-executing code embedded in the blockchain can automatically trigger actions such as payment processing, inventory updates, or regulatory alerts when specific conditions are met. Despite the availability of these enabling technologies, few existing systems have . successfully combined them into a cohesive and scalable framework tailored specifically to the needs of the food supply chain . The present invention addresses this gap by providing an integrated blockchainbased system that leverages smart contracts, loT sensor data, and unique product identifiers (e.g., QR codes or RFID tags) to create a tamper-proof, end-to-end tracking solution. The system enhances visibility across all stages of the supply chain, reduces the risk of fraud and spoilage, facilitates faster recalls, improves regulatory compliance, and --$P-.ALE..hL1_0_E..E LCE_ _C I:LEJHtA.L .2. 0 J.D_8,_L2 ..D ~2 5. ... 16. �.. ... 2 ... Z_ __ .e..n.. -Q) !:)) Ill D.. Q) -1-- N E.... 0 -LL. CIO (0 -::1' CIO ."0.". '.". -::1' 1.1') N 0 ~ en M""'" N -CIO 1.1') N 0 N I C) ::I ------------------- ------- empowers consumers with the ability to verify the origin and journey of their food. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a comprehensive, blockchain-based system for tracking food products across the entire supply chain from the point of origin at the farm to the final point of sale to the consumer. The invention leverages a decentralized blockchain ledger to ensure that all data recorded at each stage of the supply chain is tamper-proof, time-stamped, and accessible to authorized parties in real time. This approach enhances trust, accountability, and transparency among all stakeholders involved in the food ecosystem .. Each product is assigned a unique digital identity using a QR code, RFID tag, or similar identification mechanism. At every stage in the supply chain, critical information such as origin, processing data, transportation conditions, quality certifications, and compliance records is captured and uploaded to the blockchain. These updates are immutable and can be viewed through dedicated user interfaces by producers, logistics providers, retailers, regulatory authorities, and consumers. The invention further integrates Internet of Things (loT) devices to collect and transmit real-time environmental data (such as temperature, humidity, and GPS location) to the blockchain. This ensures that perishable food items are stored and transported under safe conditions. If thresholds are breached, alerts can be generated and recorded automatically. In addition, smart contracts are utilized to automate transactions and enforce business rules. These programmable contracts execute automatically based on predefined conditions such as releasing payments once goods are delivered or halting product movement if quality checks fail. This reduces manual intervention, delays, and the risk of non-compliance. Consumers can scan the product's QR code using a mobile application or web interface to access a detailed record of the food's origin, supply chain journey, certifications, and environmental history. This builds trust and supports informed � e