Adoption roadblocks of blockchain technology to achieve the sustainable development goal in perishable food supply chain

Ensuring traceability in the perishable food supply chain (PFSC) is crucial for safeguarding consumer rights, food quality, and safety. Blockchain technology (BT), with its decentralized and immutable attributes, offers significant potential to enhance this traceability. However, its widespread adoption faces considerable roadblocks due to industry regulations and operational obstacles. This study aims to identify and analyze these roadblocks for BT adoption in the food industry to support strategic decision-making. Through a comprehensive literature review and expert discussions, 14 key roadblocks to blockchain adoption were identified, and a Grey DEMATEL integrated ANP methodology was applied. Findings reveal that the three most significant roadblocks to BT-based traceability adoption are a ‘data security concern: lack of technological maturity and acceptance’ (prominence value 4.219), ‘threat to data privacy’ (4.035), and ‘lack of digital infrastructure’ (3.971). Addressing these top three roadblocks in order of importance is crucial for accelerating BT adoption. This study provides theoretical contributions to methodological technologies and offers practical insights for professionals to overcome these roadblocks, thereby enhancing food security and safety within global PFSCs through robust, end-to-end encrypted traceable systems. For the successful implementation of blockchain technology strong rule and regulation against data security, creating centre or excellence and standardisation is advisable.