Big brother could soon be bugging fresh produce, as experts discuss packaging technology in the food industry.

Members of the Smart and Intelligent Packaging conference will gather in Barcelona next month to consider the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in food packaging.

The technology enables retailers, such as Tesco and M&S who have already piloted the scheme, to track products from stores into people's homes.

There is controversy over the system, as human rights group Liberty claim the technology infringes privacy. Liberty spokeswoman Shami Chakrabarti said: "Liberty will be monitoring the supermarkets and big chain stores. If we think a legal challenge can be mounted to stop their experimentation, we will make it."

A Tesco representative said: "We would never compromise the privacy of our customers."

The conference will take place on October 28-29 and will also cover contactless payment systems and electronic sensors.

Topics