What is Food Fraud? And Why It’s Important?

Food fraud – intentional deception for economic gain using food – is an emerging research field due to increased Food Fraud Awareness of the health hazard, increased regulatory scrutiny, increased awareness of the costs, a seemingly endless stream of identified incidents, and new compliance requirements.

The importance of a food fraud risk mitigation program

The list of food fraud types is in fact long. However, what they all have in common is a chance: whenever there is a potential for high profit margins, there can be food fraud.

At a more general level, food fraud is part of an ongoing battle between criminals and public authorities. However for food companies, implementing a risk reduction program is very important. The risk of not doing so is to get caught in the middle and become both the victim of the crime and the inadvertent offender. Having a food intake prevention program will also improve your food safety training and hygiene. Fortunately, most food cases do not turn into significant food safety events.

The relatively low health risk does not weaken the link between food fraud and food safety. Whenever there is a breach in food supply chain control, anything can happen. Whenever food fraudsters do not intend to harm the health of the people, the circumstances in which these crimes are committed do not always allow for caution.

Plan Ahead to Mitigate Risk

Having a plan is critical. We can apply our consulting, testing, auditing and training resources to develop solutions for food fraud awareness, detection and prevention. This can help you:

• Reduce the risk of product recalls
• Understand the potential risk of food fraud to your business
• Be aware of the types of food fraud and related crimes
• Be alert to the signs of fraud in your businesses and supply chains
• Understand the principles of fraud mitigation

How Does Food Fraud Affect Consumers?

• Food Allergens may contaminate food, for example, if someone with a severe dairy allergy unknowingly consumes a product containing traces, there could be life-threatening consequences.
• False claims are made that a food product is organic, when it can’t actually be classified as such.
• Religious needs may be compromised if products sold as halal and kosher are in fact fraudulent.

Dietary requirements may be compromised, such as if a vegetarian or vegan consumes something contaminated

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