Is Blockchain a Panacea for Guarding PDO Supply Chains? Exploring Vulnerabilities, Critical Control Points, and Blockchain feasibility in Greece

Within food Supply Chains (SCs), food products labeled through Geographical Indications (GIs) hold paramount importance as distinctive and culturally significant entities, ensuring the integrity and distinctiveness of regional specialties. By strictly regulating the geographic origin and production methods, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) not only guarantees the preservation of traditional practices but also safeguards the cultural legacy and identity of the regions where genuine PDO products are produced. However, the very mechanisms safeguarding PDO authenticity can be exploited within globalized food systems, creating opportunities for fraudulent activities and intentional or unintentional adulteration. This study specifically delves into the overarching realm of PDO SCs, using PDO Feta cheese as a prominent case study. Through an assessment of Feta cheese SC in Greece, encompassing the Delphi Technique with the amalgamation of the design stages of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Vulnerabilities Assessment and Critical Control Point (VACCP), and Threat Assessment and Critical Control Point (TACCP) methodologies, the operations, vulnerabilities, and critical control points are scrutinized. The results indicate multifaceted vulnerabilities and Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the Feta cheese SC that need to be addressed and constitute a precursor for augmenting PDO SCs. Moreover, the utilization of Blockchain Technology (BT) exhibits intrinsic potential for enhancing the administration of supply chains with the potential to fundamentally transform data management practices and foster increased levels of trust among stakeholders. This study delves into the PDO supply chains, using Feta cheese as a prominent case study in Greece, highlighting vulnerabilities and critical control points using an amalgamation of methodologies. It emphasizes the potential of Blockchain Technology to enhance data management, stakeholder trust, and combat food fraud. The findings reveal crucial insights into preserving authenticity and addressing risks in food products labeled through Geographical Indications.