Lai srl, a company with operational headquarters in Moncalieri, recently presented the BDS Sigillo Digitale project, an innovative system that uses Blockchain technology to track the entire production chain, ensuring safety and transparency. Particularly relevant for IV Gamma soups and creams, the system offers concrete answers to the recent crisis of confidence generated by botulism episodes. Thanks to the QR code, in fact, it is possible to access unalterable data on each production phase, from the collection of raw materials to transport to the points of sale. An approach that revolutionizes the concept of traceability, strengthening the trust of consumers and large-scale retail trade. Lai BDS Sigillo Digitale – which does not produce fruit and vegetables – deals with the quality of production processes through the traceability of the entire supply chain thanks to skills that are obviously applicable to all production sectors, confirming the importance of the project illustrated at CibusLink by project manager Giovanni Gizzi.
How does the BDS Digital Seal system work and what advantages does it offer compared to traditional traceability methods in the food supply chain?
"The BDS Digital Seal system aims to track and make all production phases accessible to all the actors involved, starting from an ad hoc scientific study, carried out by the FEM-2 company: a spin-off accredited by the University of Milan-Bicocca, which can also include DNA tests useful for identifying the exact variety of raw materials. Subsequently, all production steps and all internal controls required by self-control systems and current regulations will be collected and implemented. All the related data is entered into BlockChain and thus becomes irrefutable and accessible via a specific platform implemented in collaboration with the Foodchain company, accessible via QR code that can be inserted on the packaging. It is precisely the certainty that comes from these data that photograph the different production steps that is the distinctive feature of our project. As recently shown, participating in Marca Fresh in Bologna 2025, by framing the dynamic Qr code of the product it is possible, starting from the scientific study, to the field notebooks, up to the collection, delivery and selection data, to know all the production steps, as a guarantee for the consumer and the GDO. The goal of the project is to convey in a truthful and transparent way the added value of agri-food products, using cutting-edge technology”.
How does your project concretely contribute to reducing the risks associated with botulism and other food safety issues?
“The regulations concerning the production and processing of food products at risk of botulism are very stringent and production companies are required to constantly apply all processes relating to the control of risk factors. These processes have allowed us to drastically reduce the cases of contaminated products, thanks also to the virtuous conduct of the production companies. Also in light of the recent food alerts that have affected the category, not having the possibility of tracing with certainty those responsible for some problems encountered, through our platform it will be possible to insert all the production processes and all the documents relating to the self-control processes. This information inserted in blockchain, which can also be accessed via QR code, will be the ideal tool to inform all the actors involved not only of the production processes, but also of the self-control processes. Our system suggests to production companies the use of an additional control (inserted like the previous ones in BlockChain) relating to logistics. It starts from the moment of loading the same product onto the refrigerated truck, then moving on to the arrival on the platform and the subsequent one at the point of sale. Up to taking care of the positioning within the same point of sale. Translated: fully traceable supply chain up to the consumer's shopping cart".
How do you ensure transparency and security to the consumer through the use of QR code and Blockchain technology?
“Transparency and safety for the consumer are guaranteed thanks to the integration of the QR code with Blockchain technology. Each product is provided with a QR code that, once scanned, allows access to all the fundamental information, such as the origin of the raw materials, the manufacturing processes and the certifications. Blockchain, being a decentralized and immutable technology, ensures that the recorded data is authentic and unalterable. This means that each phase of production, from the field to the finished product, is traced in a secure and verifiable way. The consumer can therefore access transparent and reliable information, knowing that they are dealing with a product whose path has been certified and made available for consultation in every detail. In this way, not only is the product enhanced, but a relationship of trust is also created with the consumer, who can make conscious and informed choices”.
What is the expected impact of the BDS Digital Seal system on consumer and large-scale retail trade trust in IV Gamma products?
“The BDS Digital Seal system increases consumer trust by offering total transparency: thanks to the QR code, it is possible to access detailed and verifiable information on the entire life cycle of the product, from cultivation to leaving the warehouse of the reference company. This reassures customers and responds to the growing demand for quality and sustainability, particularly crucial for IV Range products, where freshness and safety are fundamental. For large-scale retail trade companies, Blockchain technology guarantees the authenticity of the data, reducing the risk of fraud and improving the perception of their products. The result is an increase in credibility and a competitive advantage for both producers and distributors”.
What are your future plans to expand the use of this system and collaborate with institutional bodies and companies in the agri-food sector?
“LAI srl BDS Sigillo Digitale is at an advanced stage to obtain recognition as a Certification Body, a goal we expect to reach by April 2025. This will represent a turning point to consolidate our credibility and expand collaborations with companies and institutions in the agri-food sector. In the meantime, our daily commitment is aimed at proposing the project to manufacturing companies, a work that is already producing results beyond expectations. Participation in Marca Fresh 2025 has confirmed the growing interest in our solutions by various players in the sector, ready to innovate and demonstrate their commitment to quality. 2025 will be a crucial year, in which we intend to strengthen our presence both nationally and internationally, supporting companies in transparent and verifiable communication of their value. Furthermore, we will collaborate with large-scale retail trade to integrate supplier traceability and certification into their strategies, responding to growing consumer demand for transparency and reliability”.
