The idea was conceptualized a few days back when I read a newspaper article on the wide spread food spoilage even during drought conditions in my state.

The cause was identified as fungal infection in grains and spread of salmonella in meat due to improper refrigeration. Doing some research I was unable find a connected sensor solution to detect and monitor food spoilage and rot.

I decided to build my own low cost BLE based mesh sensor that can either be dropped inside grain sack to monitor relative humidity or set alongside meat packaging to detect volatile organic compounds emitted during decay.

I hope that this project can bring attention to food spoilage and by optimizing the food supply chain using FoodBeacons it is my belief that not only accountability will result in safer and fresher food but also overall food wastage would be minimized.

Food surplus was a gift given by our ancestors and it is something we must take utmost care when millions starve worldwide.

(Food wastage estimate: http://modernfarmer.com/2013/09/next-food-revolution-youre-eating/)