This month, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety released a draft report on fraud in the EU food chain. Although the incidence of food fraud is increasing, the EU has no framework in place to address it and methods for dealing with it vary widely among member states. The complexity of the food chain, ineffective sanctions and economic pressure contribute to the problem. Among the report’s recommendations are that the European Commission collect data on fraud incidents, formulate a harmonized definition of food fraud, focus on official controls and increase sanctions. The report also advises that the Food and Veterinary Office expand its audits to include food fraud, that private initiatives be promoted and that a risk proofing policing approach be adopted. The five products most at risk for food fraud in the EU are: olive oil, fish, organic foods, milk, grains, honey and maple syrup, coffee and tea, spices, wine and certain fruit juices.

Source: European Parliament