Ensuring Food Authenticity: How to Combat Food Crime Risks and Protect Consumers

Food fraud is a significant concern that threatens trust in the food supply. It has been around for centuries, with examples of deceptive practices documented as far back as 200 BC in China. Today, food fraud includes actions like adulteration, substitution, and mislabeling, all intended to deceive consumers and gain profit. Although different countries handle food fraud in various ways, ongoing efforts are being made to create better regulations and definitions.

The consequences of food fraud are immense. In the UK alone, food crime costs between £410 million and £1.96 billion annually, according to the Food Standards Agency. Globally, food fraud-related crimes amount to $30-50 billion each year, impacting both businesses and consumers. For instance, the 2008 melamine scandal in infant formula led to thousands of hospitalizations and even deaths.

Several major scandals have highlighted food fraud issues over the years. Some of the most notorious cases include:

• 2003 Sudan Red Dyes: Fraudulent dyes were used to enhance the color of chili powder, resulting in a £100 million recall.
• 2008 Melamine Scandal: Melamine was added to infant formula in China. This led to thousands of illnesses and a global recall.
• 2013 Horsemeat Scandal: Horsemeat was found in beef products across Europe, resulting in millions of product recalls.
• 2016 Parmesan Cheese Fraud: Many products labeled as Parmesan contained mostly fillers, misleading consumers.
• 2016 Olive Oil Fraud: Lower-quality oils were misrepresented as extra virgin in Spain.
• 2018 Honey Laundering: Honey imported from China was relabeled as Canadian, some even containing banned substances.
• 2023 Relabeling Incident: Gangs in Italy and Latvia relabeled expired food, making it appear fresh.

Local incidents also show the dangers of food fraud. A UK restaurant owner was sentenced to prison after a customer died from an allergic reaction caused by replacing almond flour with cheaper peanut flour in a dish.

Combatting food fraud is challenging. The Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit identifies key themes in their reports, such as mislabeling and waste diversion. With the food supply chain becoming increasingly complex, criminals have more opportunities to exploit weaknesses. Major global events can disrupt supply chains, creating risks that fraudsters may take advantage of.

To better protect themselves, businesses should evaluate their vulnerability to food fraud regularly. This means implementing systems for risk assessment and fraud detection while promoting a culture of awareness among employees. Here’s a seven-step process to consider:

1. Recognize food fraud as a risk and include it in your business risk profile.
2. Map out your supply chain.
3. Identify potential fraud risks by thinking like a criminal.
4. Assess and prioritize these risks.
5. Create an action plan to address identified threats.
6. Track progress and communicate with your team.
7. Cultivate a company-wide culture focused on preventing food fraud.

A collaborative approach is essential. The Food Authenticity Network (FAN) and the Food Industry Intelligence Network (FIIN) are resources that help industry stakeholders share information and best practices. Using scientific research and technology like artificial intelligence can enhance efforts against food fraud, although AI can also be misused by criminals.

It is crucial for food businesses to take steps toward authenticity and safety. With proper coordination among various agencies and a vigilant industry, we can ensure the integrity of our food and maintain public trust.