Uncovering the Tangled Web of Food Fraud Across Europe

The latest report on potential frauds and non-compliances uncovered by EU member states paints a complex picture, with issues ranging from horse meat to ethylene oxide contamination and products skirting border controls. While the number of alerts has declined in recent months, the challenges facing the food industry remain significant, as authorities and industry work to combat deceptive practices and identify emerging risks.

Exposing the Cracks in Europe's Food Supply Chain

Tracking the Ebb and Flow of Fraud Alerts

The number of food and other fraud suspicions discussed by European countries has seen a gradual decline in recent months, from a high of 345 in March to 265 in June. However, the level of alerts remains similar to the 277 reported in January, indicating that the fight against food fraud is an ongoing battle.

Uncovering a Diverse Landscape of Potential Violations

The issues identified in the report cover a wide range of potential frauds and non-compliances, including suspected cross-border fraud topics, as well as concerns related to food, animal feed, food contact materials, animal welfare, plant protection products, and veterinary medicine products. These potential violations have been shared among members of the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) and retrieved from various reporting systems, including the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the Administrative Assistance and Cooperation Network (AAC), and the Agri-Food Fraud Network (FFN).

Prioritizing Risks and Vulnerabilities

The report aims to assist national authorities in setting up risk-based controls to combat fraudulent and deceptive practices, as well as helping the food sector with vulnerability assessments and the identification of emerging risks. This collaborative approach is crucial in addressing the complex and ever-evolving landscape of food fraud.

Uncovering the Diverse Scope of Potential Violations

The report highlights a range of potential violations, from non-compliant pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables to unauthorized ingredients in supplements and issues with the water content of shrimp and salted chicken. Other cases involve product tampering, such as the adulteration of extra virgin olive oil and honey, as well as record tampering incidents, including the falsification of best-before dates and health claims.

Crossing Borders: The Challenges of Transnational Food Fraud

The report also sheds light on the international nature of food fraud, with 11 alerts involving the United States in June alone. These cases ranged from the presence of unauthorized ingredients in supplements to issues with the labeling of products, such as undeclared GMOs in corn snacks and the mislabeling of the origin of palm oil and blueberries.

Uncovering the Dark Side of the Horse Trade

One particularly concerning case involved 65 horses from Ireland that were deemed unfit for human consumption, highlighting the need for stricter controls and traceability in the livestock trade. Another incident involved the transport of 66 horses for slaughter, where the required resting period was not respected.

Tackling the Threat of Ethylene Oxide Contamination

The report also draws attention to the issue of ethylene oxide contamination, with several alerts related to products from India that were found to contain this unapproved substance. This highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and compliance of imported food and feed products.

Closing the Gaps: Strengthening Border Controls and Traceability

The report underscores the importance of robust border controls and effective traceability systems in combating food fraud. Several cases involved products that managed to bypass border controls, while others highlighted the need for improved traceability to ensure the origin and authenticity of food and feed products.