Food Fraud - News - safefood Knowledge Network2024-03-29T08:12:39Zhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/feed/category/Food+FraudOperations in Portugal lead to seizures of various food productshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/operations-in-portugal-lead-to-seizures-of-various-food-products2024-03-14T16:46:16.000Z2024-03-14T16:46:16.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Recent enforcement actions in Portugal have covered products including eggs, shellfish, meat, and oils.</p>
<p>The Food and Economic Safety Authority’s (ASAE) central regional unit recently inspected egg classification and packing centers in Leiria and Ansião.</p>
<p>Checks revealed that eggs, already packaged and ready for consumption, did not have all the necessary identification details, violating national and European regulations.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/03/operations-in-portugal-lead-to-seizures-of-various-food-products/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Agri-Food Fraud: Commission publishes its first monthly reporthttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/agri-food-fraud-commission-publishes-its-first-monthly-report2024-02-29T14:57:45.000Z2024-02-29T14:57:45.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The European Commission has published its first monthly report on agri-food fraud suspicions. The report compiles information gathered from the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN), which facilitates the exchange of information between Member States on agri-food controls. The report includes cases of cross-border non-compliance, which ACN members have identified and shared as suspected fraud.</p>
<p><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/sante/items/820496/en" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Police in Spain and Italy seize 5,000 litres of adulterated olive oil in raidshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/police-in-spain-and-italy-seize-5-000-litres-of-adulterated-olive2024-01-16T15:00:32.000Z2024-01-16T15:00:32.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Police in Spain and Italy have arrested 11 people and seized more than 5,000 litres of adulterated olive oil after breaking up an international gang that allegedly sought to profit by passing off cheap oils as their more expensive equivalents.</p>
<p>The investigation, carried out by the Guardia Civil in conjunction with Italy’s carabinieri and Europol, led to raids in both countries and the searching of olive-processing cooperatives in the Spanish provinces of Ciudad Real, Jaén and Córdoba.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/04/police-in-spain-and-italy-seize-5000-litres-of-adulterated-olive-oil-in-raids" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Czech controls find problems with olive oil and meat productshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/czech-controls-find-problems-with-olive-oil-and-meat-products2024-01-15T14:00:08.000Z2024-01-15T14:00:08.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Czech controls on olive oil have found two-thirds of samples were non-compliant.</p>
<p>The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) focused on the quality of olive oils on the domestic market.</p>
<p>Overall, 67 percent of evaluated samples failed to meet the requirements of European legislation. The most severe findings were olive oils that did not correspond to the extra virgin label when assessed and were of lower quality. Two samples matched the category lampante oil, which is not meant for retail sale and is intended for further processing.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/01/czech-controls-find-problems-with-olive-oil-and-meat-products/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Predicting the Future of Food Safetyhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/predicting-the-future-of-food-safety2023-12-05T15:44:09.000Z2023-12-05T15:44:09.000ZThe Food Chainhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/TaraCorristine<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Following the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, Bernie Commins speaks to FSAI Chief Executive, Dr Pamela Byrne</strong></span></p><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12309093857,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12309093857?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p><p> </p><p>The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recently welcomed global food regulators to Dublin for the fourth annual International Heads of Food Agencies Forum. This forum facilitated discussion on how best to prepare for food safety crises and manage food safety incidents in what is becoming an increasingly complex global food system. “Predicting the future of food safety, even on an Irish scale, is uncertain let alone on a global scale,” says Dr Byrne. “That said, some of the main drivers are clear: climate change, geopolitical instability, advances in technology, sustainability of the food system. Online selling continues to challenge the traditional organisation of food safety oversight and authorities like the FSAI must adapt and adopt new techniques to address unsafe foods promoted and sold electronically.” </p><p>Climate change, Dr Byrne explains, disrupts food supply: “Extreme weather events cause food scarcity by destroying harvests, forcing supply chains to switch to sources that are less familiar and that have a food safety track record that is not so well established. Potential food safety threats linked to weather include increased mycotoxin concentrations in crops caused by fungal growth, spoilage of food and ingress of bacterial pathogens a well as contamination threats from poorer quality water sources.” </p><p>Sustainability, she says, will broaden the availability of different protein sources where research will be needed to establish safety – in the case of edible insects, for example – and consumer responses will drive changes to eating patterns that will make fringe diets become more mainstream. “With that comes higher demand for new foods, which can expose a greater proportion of the population to food safety issues associated with these. For example, with the rise in demand for vegetable proteins comes a rise in the threat of bacterial toxins from Bacillus cereus if appropriate preservation strategies are not adopted,” says Dr Byrne.</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Risk and assessment</strong></span><br />The FSAI has an active emerging risk identification system in tandem with other EU Member States and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). “Our vision is ‘safe and trustworthy food for everyone’ and within that context we assess food safety risks.” Assessment takes the form of inspections of food businesses, sampling of the food supply, audits, responding to consumer complaints, dealing with protected disclosures, engagement with regulatory partners at national, European and international level, and developing horizon scanning tools to identify emerging risks. </p><p>“From these assessments, we take the appropriate action to remove, manage or mitigate the risk within the bounds of the legal framework,” says Dr Byrne. “Proactively, we support food businesses to understand their legal obligations through the provision of materials, resources and engagement with subject-matter experts. However, we also take enforcement action when a food business is not complying with the law such as issuing closure orders, improvement notices, prohibition orders, right through to prosecution. Our national, European and international networks, such as the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, are important in ensuring ongoing communication between peer organisations as well as building trust that supports our engagement in times of crises.”</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Food safety crises</strong></span><br />On average, there are approximately 600-700 food safety incidents per year. “The FSAI has a risk management team in place, which is working on a 24/7 basis as required by law. There are protocols that provide a framework for how we deal with food safety incidents as well as food safety crises. These protocols were developed in collaboration with the food safety inspectorate and other stakeholders, including Government departments and other State agencies, to ensure we are prepared to manage food incidents and crises when they arise.”</p><p>“Every three to four years, we carry out simulation exercises either at a national or European level and use the learnings from these to adapt and evolve our approaches. We also ensure we are connected to our European and international counterparts, so that we gain access early to incidents that are going on in other countries that may impact Ireland. “As a member of the EU, we are connected to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which ensures timely and accurate dissemination of information, as well as rapid response to that information. “At global level, we are the Irish contact point for the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network, which facilitates the rapid exchange of information across borders and between members, during hundreds of food safety events. Our ultimate goal is to protect consumers in Ireland and the consumers of Irish food in 180 markets across the world from risk and these protocols and systems are critical in enabling us to do our job.” </p><p>The importance of a solid food safety reputation for Irish food and drink exporters cannot be overstated: “A recent Eurobarometer survey of almost 27,000 EU citizens in 27 Member States identified that food safety matters for 50% of European citizens,” says Dr Byrne. “Seven out of 10 citizens recognise the important role that science and scientists play in ensuring food safety. In Ireland, 47% of consumers surveyed take it for granted that their food is safe and 84% trust the national authorities as sources of information on food risks. This trust is based on a strong system of regulatory controls and transparency regarding reporting of the results of these food safety control measures,” says Dr Byrne. </p><p>Abroad, Ireland is seen as having one of the most trusted food safety control systems and, by extension, safe and trustworthy food. Dr Byrne explains that this is down to the hard work of the food industry in Ireland which recognises the importance of only placing safe food on the market. “Reputation of any entity, public and private, is hard fought for but easily damaged when the proper action isn’t taken when things go wrong,” she says. “And things do go wrong but Ireland has always taken prompt action, and this is recognised internationally. The FSAI’s primary focus on the protection of public health through science-based decision-making is critical in ensuring Ireland’s reputation as a producer of safe food is maintained. But the industry needs to continue to work hard to comply with the law. We encourage companies that are finding it difficult to comply to engage with us and use the resources we make available on our website to gain as deep an understanding as possible of their legal obligations.”</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Room to improve</strong></span><br />The food supply system is very complex and becoming more complex year-on-year, says Dr Byrne. “Supply chains are interwoven; therefore, traceability of food is critical. Businesses need to fully understand their suppliers and supply chains and if there is a change in those, build those into their food safety management systems.” Another area that needs improvement is culture, she says. “We have identified a number of businesses, some through disclosures made to us under the Protected Disclosure legislation, over the last few years where the culture of food safety is not at the standard it should be. We all know the impact of culture on organisational performance and where the culture is not right, issues arise, and this applies to food safety also.” </p><p>Numerous investigations have revealed where shortcuts have been taken and workarounds have been put in place, some of which raise serious questions over the safety of the food, according to Dr Byrne. “And where we can’t get verification of traceability, for example, we have no other choice but to take the appropriate enforcement action.” </p><p>A third area relates to authenticity. Food information must be accurate, clear, and easy to understand for the consumer. It must not be misleading. “A strengthening of the EU food safety control system for the detection of fraudulent and deceptive practice, following the horsemeat scandal, is now in place and the FSAI, along with our counterparts across the EU have structures and systems in place to control this. </p><p>“Food businesses should be assessing the vulnerabilities of their supply chains and taking appropriate action to remove or minimise those vulnerabilities, thereby gaining greater assurance regarding the authenticity of their products.” says Dr Byrne.</p></div>Sampling projects find adulteration and allergen issueshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sampling-projects-find-adulteration-and-allergen-issues2023-09-22T12:59:48.000Z2023-09-22T12:59:48.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Two sampling projects have found issues with meat substitution and undeclared allergens despite an overall high level of compliance.</p>
<p>Findings come from targeted surveillance sampling of products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the Food Standards Agency (FSA).</p>
<p>In 2020, the program focused on commodities and hazards where intelligence suggested that the impact of COVID-19 on the global food chain could <a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/research/retail-surveillance-sampling-programme-during-covid-19-pandemic-executive-summary">potentially impact safety or authenticity</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/09/sampling-projects-find-adulteration-and-allergen-issues/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>A day in the lifehttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-day-in-the-life-102023-09-12T15:24:22.000Z2023-09-12T15:24:22.000ZThe Food Chainhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/TaraCorristine<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12222542270?profile=RESIZE_180x180&width=180"></div><div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Brandon Green discusses the challenges he encounters in the food industry in his role at Ornua</strong></span></p><p>Brandon Green is Group Technical and Supplier Assurance Manager at global dairy producer, Ornua Co-operative Limited. With an interest in food science and human physiology, he studied Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln with thoughts of becoming a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, but a tip from his father set him on a different path.</p><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12222540701,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="474" height="316" alt="12222540701?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p><p>“After university, I decided to pursue an opportunity in food manufacturing as a Quality Auditor at Greencore – my father is in the food industry and suggested I should give it a go whilst I considered my career options. I instantly loved the role: the fast-paced environment, dynamic challenges, and critical problem solving on a daily basis all appealed to me and I knew a career in the food industry was right for me.”</p><p>Brandon subsequently joined Nestlé Waters as a laboratory technician followed by a position in bakery with food manufacturing group, Bakkavor, as a Quality Assurance Manager. He then joined Ornua as a Quality Assurance Manager and quickly transitioned into the role of Technical Manager. “I have worked in Ornua for seven years as a Technical Manager across multiple sites, before transitioning to Quality Process Owner for Deployments, and I am now Group Technical and Supplier Assurance Manager. I am responsible for focusing on the development and deployment of the global technical and supplier assurance strategy for the group to support the needs and growth of the business.”</p><p>A typical workday, he believes, doesn’t exist in his role and is one of the reasons he enjoys his job so much. “I look at ways in which we can hone best practice, standardise practices and continually improve as a group. I also support Ornua’s food safety strategy, as well as managing key challenges day-to-day and providing quality assurance support for non-quality forums. I really enjoy collaborating and working with a diverse group of team members across our operations. I enjoy the ever-changing horizon, global mobility and being able to offer support, whilst also leveraging insight from across the group.”</p><p><strong>Industry challenges <br /></strong>He cites labour turnover and skills shortages as challenges to maintaining a strong Food Safety Culture (FSC). “Lack of consistency in personnel can make it difficult to successfully deliver a FSC plan as a team: when there are changes in personnel we lose knowledge, business insight, business values understanding, training and development, and customer insights which can directly influence the way people think and impact their behaviour.” The organisation is addressing this through ongoing development of the global framework for food safety culture; ensuring employee engagement in culture surveys, and operationally investing in end-of-line packing automation across the business to allow upskilling and focus on more critical food safety touch points.</p><p>Externally, he believes that changing customer needs and security of supply pose increasing concerns for the food industry. “Evolving consumer behaviour, along with the market demand for more sustainable packaging solutions, has moved the industry into a position of uncertainty where, for example, new innovative packaging is being explored which must be both sustainable and maintain the safety and quality of the product whilst undergoing such changes. <img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12222535301,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="337" height="261" alt="12222535301?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p><p>“Food fraud also continues to be a challenge for the industry. In a year of extreme weather, ongoing trade disputes and cost-of-living pressures on consumers, the risk of food fraud has increased. Trying to source materials of the appropriate safety and quality with reduced availability, rising prices and new risks emerging is a definite challenge across the industry.”</p><p>Foreign body risks are an ongoing threat for public health and Ornua is investing in state-of-the-art safety systems such as X-ray imaging systems for foreign material detection. “These systems also utilise artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to increase inspection accuracy. AI systems are paving the way for increased evaluation efficiencies; they not only reduce the need for manual programming and adjustments of equipment but can also better differentiate lighting and contrast challenges to increase accuracy under such dynamic conditions. I strongly believe AI will be more readily available and will continue to integrate more and more within the food manufacturing space.”</p><p><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12222536272,RESIZE_192X{{/staticFileLink}}" width="192" alt="12222536272?profile=RESIZE_192X" /></p></div>Food Crime Risk Profiling Toolhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/food-crime-risk-profiling-tool2023-08-31T13:46:30.000Z2023-08-31T13:46:30.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) has developed this Food Crime Risk Profiling Tool to support Food Business Operators (FBO) to understand their risk from food crime and the measures they can take to reduce this risk.</p>
<p>The Food Crime Risk Profiling Tool is intended to be completed by those responsible for setting the strategy and direction. You'll be asked to answer a number of statements to evaluate your business and identify areas for improvement against four key areas:</p>
<p>* Strategy<br />* Performance<br />* Organisation<br />* Culture</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/business-and-industry/scottish-food-crime-and-incidents-unit/food-crime-incidents/food-crime-risk-profiling-tool-sign-up" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Authorities crack down on fish fraud that caused illnesseshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/authorities-crack-down-on-fish-fraud-that-caused-illnesses2023-07-12T08:26:12.000Z2023-07-12T08:26:12.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Italian authorities are investigating a case of fish fraud that led to several people suffering from histamine poisoning.</p>
<p>Carabinieri NAS Bari was part of a team that carried out court orders involving 18 people earlier this month. Five people were detained and six were placed under house arrest.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/07/authorities-crack-down-on-fish-fraud-that-caused-illnesses/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Summary of discussions at the FSA Board meeting, 21 June 2023 https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/summary-of-discussions-at-the-fsa-board-meeting-21-june-20232023-06-29T08:12:33.000Z2023-06-29T08:12:33.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The Board discussed the update on the performance of the <abbr title="Food Standards Agency">FSA</abbr>’s risk analysis process. This is the process of assessing, managing and communicating food and animal feed safety risks, ensuring high standards of food and feed safety to protect consumers. The Board noted both the steady progress with regulated products authorisations and risk analysis issues, while also recognising the pressure on resources at this time. However, the Board also asked for greater pace and ambition in the longer-term reform agenda to better support innovation in this sector. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/summary-of-discussions-at-the-fsa-board-meeting-21-june-2023" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Codex discusses remote audits and food fraudhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/codex-discusses-remote-audits-and-food-fraud2023-06-08T10:39:36.000Z2023-06-08T10:39:36.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Progress has been made on guidelines for remote audits but not on a food fraud text, according to reports from a recent Codex meeting.</p>
<p>The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) met in May in Australia.</p>
<p>The development of draft guidelines on the prevention and control of food fraud was limited, with the text sent back to a redrafting stage.</p>
<p>The potential inclusion of geographical indications (GI) in the document received mixed views from members. Other areas discussed included definitions and types of fraud.</p>
<p>The United States is leading the Electronic Working Group (EWG), which includes the United Kingdom, China, the European Union, and Iran. Revised draft guidelines, based on feedback received, will be discussed at the next CCFICS meeting.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/06/codex-discusses-remote-audits-and-food-fraud/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Food fraud report: Fighting fraudulent and deceptive practices in the agri-food chainhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/food-fraud-report-fighting-fraudulent-and-deceptive-practices-in-2023-03-31T15:52:05.000Z2023-03-31T15:52:05.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The European Commission published a report which is the result of a project to collect information on potential fraud risks identified by Member State authorities and control methods to detect fraudulent and deceptive practices in the agri-food chain. This report is expected to be used by Member States’ authorities in charge of official controls since it compiles good practice examples and challenges they face with the implementation of fraud related controls. The document was put together through a series of pilot and fact-finding studies of eight Member States between 2020 and 2022. The document presents challenges, opportunities and good practice examples in relation to the implementation of Article 9(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625. Member States’ competent authorities are required to not only detect violations of the rules governing the agri-food chain but also to identify possible intentional violations of those rules, perpetrated through fraudulent or deceptive practices by operators for the purpose of gaining an undue advantage. In 2019, it was estimated that, at global level, food fraud could have an impact of 30 billion€ per year.</p>
<p>Find the report <a href="https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC131525" target="_blank">here</a></p></div>Horsegate 10 years on… is our food any safer?https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/horsegate-10-years-on-is-our-food-any-safer2023-01-17T16:20:29.000Z2023-01-17T16:20:29.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>In 2013, the horsemeat scandal rocked the nation, forcing widespread change inside the food industry. But has it been enough to stop another incident?</p>
<p>It was a scandal that rocked the food industry. The discovery of horsemeat in certain beef products in January 2013 caused a national outrage and led the national news agenda for weeks. Tesco, Asda, ABP Food Group and Findus were among those implicated in an adulteration scam that cost an estimated £850m due to recalls, lost sales, and tumbling share prices (Tesco’s market value alone fell £300m). But the fallout went beyond just the financial. Perhaps the highest cost of the horsemeat scandal was the breakdown of trust between brands and shoppers.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/food-safety/horsegate-10-years-on-is-our-food-any-safer/675174.article" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>Irish horsemeat scandal changed the way Europe looks at food safetyhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-horsemeat-scandal-changed-the-way-europe-looks-at-food-safe2023-01-13T10:22:22.000Z2023-01-13T10:22:22.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>It is exactly ten years ago this week that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) alerted the world to one of the largest food scandals in recent times after we found horsemeat in beef burgers sold in some Irish supermarkets. When I received the first results of the authenticity survey of beef products on the Irish market that we conducted in late 2012, I initially thought that there was some kind of error in the analytical testing. Extensive retesting, however, in accredited food laboratories both in Ireland and abroad showed that the results were correct. In January 2013 the horsemeat scandal took off at a gallop.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/01/12/irish-horsemeat-scandal-changed-the-way-europe-looks-at-food-safety/" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>UK’s food crime unit reveals risks and progress on investigationshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/uk-s-food-crime-unit-reveals-risks-and-progress-on-investigations2022-12-13T12:20:13.000Z2022-12-13T12:20:13.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Animal by-products, origin declarations, and potatoes are some of the topics on the radar of the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), according to the agency’s annual update.</p>
<p>Major risks are the conflict in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. For the latter, intelligence is pointing to cost-cutting practices by businesses, mostly in smaller-scale establishments, which may lead to fake or unsafe products being offered to consumers or other companies.</p>
<p>NFCU action from 2021 to 2022 included closing websites that sold the toxic chemical 2,4- dinitrophenol (DNP) for human consumption. Operation Atlas, which began in June 2020, investigated the sale of DNP and other drugs on the dark web. Jack Finney was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to offenses related to selling DNP. Also, a consultation around including DNP in the Poisons Act has now concluded.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/12/uks-food-crime-unit-reveals-risks-and-progress-on-investigations/?utm_source=Food+Safety+News&utm_campaign=60d4786100-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f46cc10150-60d4786100-40035759" target="_blank">Continue reading</a></p></div>“Which foods are most adulterated”?https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/which-foods-are-most-adulterated2022-11-17T12:53:15.000Z2022-11-17T12:53:15.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>This is a question that the Food Authenticity Network is frequently asked, so we are delighted to be collaborating with FoodChain ID to provide this information.</p>
<p>Foods most reported as being fraudulent, based on data from the <a href="https://www.foodchainid.com/food-fraud-database/" target="_blank">FoodChain ID Food Fraud Database</a>, will be posted on an annual basis in the Food Fraud Prevention section of the Food Authenticity Network website.</p>
<p>The data for 2021 and the last ten years is shown here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodauthenticity.global/foods-most-reported-as-fraudulent" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>Review of Mislabelling of Seafood Sold on the Italian Markethttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-mislabelling-of-seafood-sold-on-the-italian-market2022-11-03T09:45:41.000Z2022-11-03T09:45:41.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The aim of this literature review of 51 scientific papers was to answer the question - "What is the mislabelling rate in seafood products sold on the Italian market?“. Samples were considered mislabelled when the species found by DNA analysis did not correspond with the description on the label. The most sampled seafood taxa were fish (83.8%): mackerels, cods, herrings, flatfishes and jacks were the most represented species. Unprocessed fillet/slice was the most analysed retail form (61.4%), and samples were collected at retail premises (76.5%) in 10 Italian regions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodauthenticity.global/blog/review-of-mislabelling-of-seafood-sold-on-the-italian-market?utm_source=Ning&%3Butm_medium=email&%3Butm_id=22Oct_highlights_italianseafoodmislabel&xg_source=msg_mes_network" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>France puts 18 on trial over alleged involvement in vast horsemeat scandalhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/france-puts-18-on-trial-over-alleged-involvement-in-vast-horsemea2022-07-05T08:57:02.000Z2022-07-05T08:57:02.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p class="dcr-xry7m2">Defendants are accused of participation in supply of horsemeat unfit for human consumption across Europe</p>
<p class="dcr-xry7m2">18 people, including two veterinarians, are appearing in court in Marseille on Monday accused of involvement in a vast illegal trafficking network across <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/europe-news">Europe</a> that allegedly supplied horsemeat unfit for human consumption to wholesalers and butchers.</p>
<p class="dcr-xry7m2">The defendants, from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/france">France</a>, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, are thought to have bought and sold thousands of retired draft horses and racehorses, and even ponies, that were exported to Belgium where they were allegedly given fake identification and tracking documents before being sent back to abattoirs in the south of France.</p>
<p class="dcr-xry7m2">They have been charged with fraud as part of an organised gang, or supplying </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.foodauthenticity.global/blog/france-puts-18-on-trial-over-alleged-involvement-in-vast-horsemea?utm_source=Ning&%3Butm_medium=email&%3Butm_id=22June_highlights_frenchhorsearrests&xg_source=msg_mes_network" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>FSA hopes to strengthen food crime unithttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fsa-hopes-to-strengthen-food-crime-unit2022-05-31T14:35:03.000Z2022-05-31T14:35:03.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is asking for feedback on plans to seek stronger powers for the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU).</p>
<p>The NFCU tackles serious, organized, or complex cases of fraud within food supply chains, across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The agency was leading or supporting 36 operations at the end of the third quarter in 2021. The 2022/23 budget for the unit is £5.8 million ($7.3 million).</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/05/fsa-hopes-to-strengthen-food-crime-unit/" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>JRC's April 2022 Food Fraud Summary Publishedhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jrc-s-april-2022-food-fraud-summary-published2022-05-23T10:13:06.000Z2022-05-23T10:13:06.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published its April 2022 Food Fraud Monthly Summary reporting food fraud incidents and investigations from around the world. These have been kindly represented as an infographic above by our Member <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunosechet/" target="_blank">Bruno Séchet</a>, and thanks for allowing us to share it with the rest of the Network.</p>
<p>In addition to the large number of fraud incidents shown above, there are references to 2 interesting articles on "<a href="https://www.mashed.com/821277/the-biggest-cases-of-food-fraud-ever/" target="_blank">Biggest Cases of Food Fraud Ever</a>", and an <a href="http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb9035en" target="_blank">FAO Report </a>on strategies to counter food fraud, </p>
<p>You can download the full summary <a href="http://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/food-fraud-summary-april-2022_en" target="_blank">here</a></p>
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<p> </p></div>Update: FSA provides consumer guidance as more fully refined oils may be used as ingredient substitutionshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/update-fsa-provides-consumer-guidance-as-more-fully-refined-oils-2022-05-03T13:46:29.000Z2022-05-03T13:46:29.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>As the UK’s supply of sunflower oil continues to be severely impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, further information is being issued to consumers and retailers about oil substitutions and product labelling. </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/update-fsa-provides-consumer-guidance-as-more-fully-refined-oils-may-be-used-as-ingredient-substitutions" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>FVO Report on International and national regulatory strategies to counter food fraudhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fvo-report-on-international-and-national-regulatory-strategies-to2022-05-03T13:43:39.000Z2022-05-03T13:43:39.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Food fraud has beset governments for centuries, and the legal responses to it have been uniquely suited to the sensibilities of the time.</p>
<p>This publication follows the concept of food fraud described to occur when a fraudster intentionally deceives a customer about the quality and/or contents of the foods they wish to purchase, and such act is done to obtain an undue advantage, most often economic, for the fraudster.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.foodauthenticity.global/blog/fvo-report-on-international-and-national-regulatory-strategies-to?utm_source=Ning&utm_medium=email&utm_id=22April_highlights_fvoreport" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>FSAI Welcomes Tuam District Court Rulinghttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fsai-welcomes-tuam-district-court-ruling2022-04-28T07:52:43.000Z2022-04-28T07:52:43.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) welcomed the outcome in Tuam District Court yesterday, 26 April 2022, in relation to Judge James Faughnan’s sentencing of three defendants in cases taken by the Health Service Executive (HSE), supported by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The cases were taken against Mr Aiden Cummins, The Front Room (also known as Hibernia Inn), Tuam, Co. Galway, Mr Joe Cummins, Tuam Retail Limited trading as Cosmo Off-Licence, Tuam, Co. Galway and Ms Rachel Cummins, Tuam Retail Limited trading as Cosmo Off-Licence, Tuam, Co. Galway.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.fsai.ie/details.aspx?id=19208" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>Improving your fraud prevention planning - The Secret Ingredient, Issue 3https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/improving-your-fraud-prevention-planning-the-secret-ingredient-is2022-03-02T10:01:22.000Z2022-03-02T10:01:22.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>This is <a href="https://tenetlaw.co.uk/about-us/" target="_blank">Tenet's</a> quarterly publication helping in house counsel and those from a science background assessing food safety keep up to date with current and emerging fraud related risks.</p>
<p>If you work in the food and drinks industry and take an interest in fraud and financial crime impact in the sector, please take a look at the <a href="https://www.flipsnack.com/tenetlaw/the-secret-ingredient-february-3/full-view.html" target="_blank">3rd issue of The Secret Ingredient</a>.</p>
<p> <a href="https://www.flipsnack.com/tenetlaw/the-secret-ingredient-february-3/full-view.html" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>National Food Crime Unit's European distribution fraud questionnairehttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/national-food-crime-unit-s-european-distribution-fraud-questionna2022-03-01T16:28:23.000Z2022-03-01T16:28:23.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The European distribution fraud (EDF) questionnaire has been created by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) for the food industry to help fully understand potential vulnerabilities regarding EDF.</p>
<p>The NFCU would like to invite you to complete this questionnaire as the data captured will help in the development of bespoke materials to address these issues and share best practice amongst industry allowing food businesses to potentially develop/implement procedures to protect themselves from EDF.</p>
<p>The questionnaire should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. All submissions are anonymous unless you choose to provide your companies name within the questionnaire. If you have any issues accessing the questionnaire or would like to give more information after completing the questionnaire, please send an email to <a href="mailto:NFCU.Prevention@food.gov.uk">NFCU.Prevention@food.gov.uk</a> </p>
<p>Questionnaire <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-VAcircBikym-pDrkG8Y6e5ZBNKXcV5Kh0VqlOo8pzlUMkhOOU1UUU5LSThCWUw0RjZXWEJIOEc1TC4u" target="_blank">Link</a>.</p></div>Review of INTERPOL / EUROPOL Operation OPSON IX Final Report (global food fraud investigations)https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-interpol-europol-operation-opson-ix-final-report-global2022-02-01T14:24:50.000Z2022-02-01T14:24:50.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>While the thousands of tons of seized fraudulent product get the headlines, the most crucial result of Operation OPSON is the insight on the shifting food fraud vulnerability. The report has both general information and detailed case studies (and amazing crime scene pictures).</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.foodauthenticity.global/blog/review-of-interpol-europol-operation-opson-ix-final-report-global?utm_source=Ning&%3Butm_medium=email&%3Butm_id=22Jan_highlights_reviewopsonix&xg_source=msg_mes_network" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>Trust in food supply chain remains high, consumer survey revealshttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/trust-in-food-supply-chain-remains-high-consumer-survey-reveals2022-01-26T14:04:25.000Z2022-01-26T14:04:25.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>The latest wave of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Food and You 2 survey shows that public trust in food safety, authenticity, and the food supply chain remained high, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/trust-in-food-supply-chain-remains-high-consumer-survey-reveals" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>UK Food Security Report 2021https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/uk-food-security-report-20212022-01-21T16:00:04.000Z2022-01-21T16:00:04.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>This report is an analysis of statistical data on food security in the United Kingdom. It is the first in a series of reports which will be published under a new duty in the<br />Agriculture Act 2020 to report to Parliament on food security in the United Kingdom at least once every three years.</p>
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<p><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1041623/United_Kingdom_Food_Security_Report_2021_16dec2021b.pdf" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>Irish agency highlights key food safety lessons during COVID-19https://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/irish-agency-highlights-key-food-safety-lessons-during-covid-192021-12-16T12:56:40.000Z2021-12-16T12:56:40.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p>Four lessons have been identified involving regulation during COVID-19 by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).</p>
<p>They include the role of early warning and emerging risk systems to help authorities respond quickly to new threats and how by accepting an impact on official controls, agencies can maintain high priority activities during crises and still protect public health.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2021/12/irish-agency-highlights-key-food-safety-lessons-during-covid-19/?utm_source=Food+Safety+News&utm_campaign=f52d01d60a-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f46cc10150-f52d01d60a-40035759" target="_blank">Click here for more information</a></p></div>Counterfeit Nescafe Gold coffee found in Germanyhttps://safefoodkn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/counterfeit-nescafe-gold-coffee-found-in-germany2021-11-09T10:57:05.000Z2021-11-09T10:57:05.000Zsafefood Knowledge Network https://safefoodkn.ning.com/members/safefoodKnowledgeNetwork<div><p><strong>Counterfeit copies of Nestle's Nescafe Gold brand of instant coffee have been found on sale in Germany, and may contain broken glass or plastic.</strong></p>
<p>The fakes were reported by Nestle Deutschland, which said it had discovered counterfeits of what appears to be an old style of Nescafe Gold jar, which is no longer commercially available and has not been used for years.</p>
<p>The counterfeits were neither manufactured nor distributed by Nestle, according to the company, and were discovered mainly at markets and smaller shops. The outlets have been asked to stop selling the illegal products, and Nestle has also asked the authorities to look into the fraud.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.securingindustry.com/food-and-beverage/counterfeit-nescafe-gold-coffee-found-in-germany/s104/a13946/#.YYpTsWDP1PZ" target="_blank">continue reading</a></p></div>