SHANGHAI – To ensure global traceability of its products utilizing blockchain technology, Cargill is launching three new chicken products to customers in China.

In partnership with the China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliance (CAFA), the company’s Sun Valley Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) offerings include two fresh, whole-chicken options as well as packaged cut-up chicken parts. The products are sourced from Cargill’s new, $48.8-million integrated chicken complex in Chuzhou, China, and are sold at Sun Valley’s Tmall platform as well as at China’ largest online retailer, JD.com.   

Consumers can ensure the food safety and track the source of the products back to the farm by using CAFA’s platform, which utilizes an on-package QR code.

The scanned QR code reveals information about the product from the hatchery to production and includes environmental and testing data as well as cooking instructions, according to Cargill.

As part of the announcement of the new RWA product launch on June 10, Cargill officials also participated in a panel discussion with CAFA to detail plans to extend 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. “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 is demonstrating its commitment to quality with the project. CAFA is established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China and is focused on ensuring consumers with safe, high-quality food.

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