The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have recently published their 2024 Food Crime Strategic Assessment, a comprehensive report designed to address the evolving risks of food fraud. The assessment provides critical insights for businesses and consumers alike, especially in light of recent disruptions in the food supply chain caused by geopolitical events.
Key findings from the report reveal that, while most food in the UK is safe and authentic, opportunities for food crime have increased. Criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in the supply chain, leading to fraudulent activities such as the misrepresentation of lower-value products as premium goods or extending use-by dates to sell expired items.
For businesses, the report emphasises the importance of being vigilant and proactive in managing food fraud risks within their supply chains. The FSA and FSS are offering free guidance to help companies better understand these risks and implement necessary safeguards. By improving traceability and ensuring robust audits, businesses can protect both their operations and their customers.
The report also calls for increased collaboration between regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and the food industry to effectively combat food crime. With the cost of food fraud in the UK estimated to reach £2 billion, this collective effort is critical to maintaining trust in the food system. For more information on food safety, contact a project manager at [email protected].
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