Tesco swapping barcodes for QR codes in UK 'first' - here's why

Tesco is swapping barcodes for QR codes on a range of its own-brand products in a move the supermarket chain is describing as a UK "first". 

Scanning the QR codes with a smartphone will give shoppers access to information about the products, such as nutritional content and traceability. It could also allow access to recipes and competitions.

The new codes will be applied to packaging of the supermarket's own-label sausages, including Tesco Pork Sausages, Tesco Pork Chipolatas and Tesco British Pork Sausage Meat.

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The change also applies to Tesco's British Cumberland Sausages and British Lincolnshire Sausages.

Tesco called it "one of the most revolutionary retailing improvements in decades", saying it will help to improve stock control and reduce waste.

The update is part of a wider industry transformation by GS1, the global standards body for barcodes, which is aiming for a "comprehensive rollout" of QR codes by 2027.

QR codes will enable shops to identify specific batches in the event of product recalls, instead of products being thrown away unnecessarily.

Retailers will be able to use them to block the sale of certain batches at checkout and contact customers who might have purchased them.

Tesco's development and change director, Peter Draper, said: "For customers, this is a tiny and almost invisible change at the checkout, but for the retail industry, it's a significant step forward.

"Over time, this opens up exciting possibilities, such as personalised digital tools to help customers manage the food they buy and reduce waste at home."

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GS1 UK's chief executive Anne Godfrey said the move was a "significant step forward for UK retail".

"It shows how the next generation of barcodes can support a more connected, transparent future," she said.

"We hope this progress encourages others to follow Tesco's lead so that consumers and businesses alike can benefit from richer, more trusted product information."

(c) Sky News 2026: Tesco swapping barcodes for QR codes in UK 'first' - here's why