RFID tags on packs could be a thing of the past after American scientists revealed an edible tag that can even be used to track and trace and authenticate individual pills.

Hawaii-based Cellular Bioengineering Inc (CBI) has manufactured the tags using the highest purity silica so they are edible and do not affect the efficacy of the pill.

Each TruTag costs less than a penny and has its own unique "spectral signature" which identifies the product.

CBI has achieved a cooperative agreement from the US government to develop the TruTag to help combat counterfeit drugs.

The tag can also be used to identify a wide range of products such as airplane parts, art, currency, electronic components, cosmetics and luxury goods.

"I believe CBI is breaking ground on a new modality of safety, assurance and information essential for consumers and the US Government," said former commander of the US Pacific Admiral Thomas Fargo.

"This project has the potential to save lives and make a significant contribution towards the safety and authentication of wide ranging goods and products."

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