In this special BONUS episode of Food Safety Matters, we focus on the topic of blockchain and how it can be used within the food industry.  You will learn all about what exactly blockchain is, its history, and how it can be applied to our food supply chain. To help us better understand blockchain's use in the food sector, our editorial director, Barbara Van Renterghem, spoke with two experts from FoodLogiQ (http://bit.ly/2KaeJIC).  Katy Jones is the chief marketing officer at FoodLogiQ. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master’s degree in data marketing communications from West Virginia University. Charles Irizarry is the chief technology officer at FoodLogiQ. He oversees technology efforts and core company building activities at FoodLogiQ. His experience includes managing sophisticated, multi-disciplinary technology teams, having launched over 20 different platforms and products across multiple businesses and industries. With a background in distributed computing systems and cloud-based software architectures, Charles is currently focused on innovation in the areas of natural language processing, machine learning, and real-time computational networks. He has a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in business management and marketing. FoodLogiQ, together with a select group of customers, recently announced the launch of a Blockchain pilot. AgBiome Innovations, Subway®- Independent Purchasing Cooperative, Testo, Tyson Foods and others are partnering with FoodLogiQ to test the application of blockchain to raise transparency within their own supply chains.  In this episode, we speak to FoodLogiQ about: The history and concept behind blockchain technology How and why more people, companies, and industries are investing in blockchain, even if prematurely How blockchain could potentially impact and benefit the food industry "Public" vs. "permissioned" blockchains FoodLogiQ's blockchain pilot How blockchain might play a role in boosting consumer confidence in a time of many foodborne illness outbreaks and food product recalls How food suppliers, manufacturers, and operators can prepare for blockchain Resources:  Learn More: FoodLogiQ Blockchain Pilot http://bit.ly/2KaeJIC Register to Attend: FoodLogiQ Demo: Exploring Blockchain Solutions within the Food Supply Chain http://bit.ly/2lyMvII Download eBook: The Fact, Fiction, and Future of Blockchain http://bit.ly/2IuhDCx Presenting Sponsor: FoodLogiQ http://bit.ly/2KaeJIC