QR codes on product packaging are one of the most popular implementations of QR code technology in food.
Food scientists are now taking it a step further. They’re working with mobile software developers to create edible QR codes.
Essentially, they embed QR codes into the food. Diners can then scan it using a QR code scanner.
This gives a digital upgrade to any tasty treat or sumptuous meal.
With a more advanced QR code generator, food companies can incorporate the same information that would usually go on the packaging.
This method is an even better strategy than QR codes on primary packaging because there’s less waste and people scan it directly before eating.
Here are some technologies for incorporating edible QR codes.
3D-printed cookies with QR codes
Researchers from Osaka University in Japan have created ‘interiqr’ that allows QR codes to embed inside the food.
Naturally, cookie dough expands when subjected to heat, so the researchers use unobtrusive edible tags to incorporate QR codes without altering the taste and appearance.
Under the naked eye, these QR codes aren’t visible, but they become readable under light or scanned using a smartphone.
This technology uses non-toxic food tags, making the QR codes on cookies 100% safe for human consumption.
QR codes on sushi for fish information
Harney Sushi, a sushi restaurant in San Diego, California, places QR codes atop their sushi selections, including maki, nigiri, and sashimi.
These QR codes are made of edible ink as a garnish or printed on rice paper.
When scanned, scanners are redirected to FishWatch.gov, showing important information about the fish, including their populations, stocks, and profiles.
QR codes on sushi for fish information have boosted the restaurant’s sales and have been a conversation starter for societal issues like sustainable fishery and health benefits.
The restaurant is successful in its goal of making people aware of what’s on their plate and what they consume in their bodies.
QR codes on sushi are just the beginning as the restaurant is working with governments to incorporate them in demystifying uni, sea urchin, and other seafood.
QR codes to determine fake whiskey
With how expensive whiskeys can be, they’re often subject to counterfeiting, disguised, and relabeled as other lower kinds of liquors.
Researchers from the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, led by Young Kim, are putting an end to fake whiskeys through edible QR codes made from silk tags.
The team genetically modifies silkworms to create fluorescent silk proteins to create the material where the code is incorporated.
When scanned, the QR code reveals product information about the product such as authentication, ingredients, manufacturing date, and more.
QR codes for authenticating fake whiskey are also a breakthrough for the pharmaceutical industry, as some medicines contain alcohol.
This ensures the safety of people consuming whiskeys and medicines.
Edible QR codes benefit other industries, too!
Food isn’t the only thing that people consume in their bodies.
As mentioned, medicines, pills, gel capsules, and other liquids are also taken into the body, making edible QR codes an excellent application for the technology.
QR codes have gone beyond their traditional use for marketing, promotions, and sales strategies; they’re now saving lives and transforming how people consume food and medicines.
An advanced QR code generator is key to making edible QR codes.
While there are plenty of QR code generators in the market, it’s crucial to go for one that offers the most.
Some QR code generators lack customization, tracking, and high-quality generation features, or people may have to pay to access these features.
When generating QR codes for whatever purpose, use QRTIGER, the best online QR code generator.
Visit QRTIGER to learn more about QR codes today.
