A couple of days ago, we were lamenting on how the land down under (Australia) is handling the introduction of QR Codes to their mainstream media. How are the consumers dealing with it and are they curious enough to try them out?

Well, apparently, there was more to that. Companies like DuPont and Prinovis are already getting their foot dipped into the water by integrating barcodes into packaging which lets consumers to online web pages where users will find useful information, similar products, other promotions being held within the store, etc.

And now GS1 is heard to be running a trial in Australia. GS1 is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing systems that helps improve supply-chain management. GS1 stands for global synchronization and they are active in many parts of the world. 2d barcodes is not the only method that they use. GS1 also uses eCom (electronic transmission of data) GDSN and EPCglobal.

Anyway, from a press release, GS1 says that they are trying out a program in Australia and it involves working with a nutritional therapist. The Nutritional Therapist, based in Victoria University, Carla Battaglia, will be helping GS1 run a 2d barcode trial for eight weeks and the main purpose of the trial is to see how effective 2d barcodes will be in terms of helping people of Australia change the way they eat.

Assuming everyone’s concerned about their health, lifestyle and the nutritional information that they consume on a daily basis, having a 2d barcode which gives them access to nutritional information while out shopping will help them determine if they REALLY want to purchase the product. In fact, it should LEAD consumers to HEALTHIER stuff.

Consumers will be armed with 2d barcode readers on a cell phone. When one of the participants scans a 2d barcode on a product, it will instantly lead the consumer to all info about the product. Not only that, the consumers will be warned about potential health risks especially if they suffer from serious health conditions like heart attack, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.

The world can’t wait to see how this pans out.