Food fraud, an insidious and far-reaching practice, represents a significant challenge to food safety and consumer trust globally. This article examines the multiple facets of food fraud, from ingredient substitution to chemical manipulation, offering a detailed analysis of emblematic cases and the mechanisms used by perpetrators to circumvent regulatory oversight.
Through a comprehensive examination, we seek to provide a clearer understanding of the complexities and consequences of food fraud, highlighting the need for coordinated action to mitigate its effects.
The Horsemeat Case: A Turning Point in Public Awareness
In 2012, the detection of equine DNA in burgers marketed as beef in Ireland triggered a crisis of confidence in the food industry. This event, known as the horse meat scandal, revealed a network of fraud that affected multiple processed products across Europe, including lasagna and ravioli. The research demonstrated the vulnerability of supply chains to intentional manipulation and ingredient substitution, highlighting the need for more rigorous controls.
Food Fraud Mechanisms and Strategies
Food fraud is characterised by a range of strategies including:
- Opacity of Supply Chains: The complexity and length of supply chains allow products to pass through multiple stages and actors, making traceability and effective control difficult.
- Ingredient Substitution: Substituting high-value ingredients with cheaper alternatives is a common practice. Horse meat replacing beef is a clear example of this tactic.
- Label Manipulation: Information on labels is manipulated to mislead consumers about the content and origin of products.
- Circumvention of Controls: Lack of effective controls and lax enforcement of regulations facilitate the perpetration of fraud.
- Exploiting Impunity: Perpetrators benefit from weak penalties and the difficulty of authorities to carry out effective investigations.
- The Role of the Whistleblower: Revelations of Widespread Fraudulent Practices
The testimony of Christoph Bruset, a trader with experience in the food industry, provided crucial information on the extent of fraud. Bruset admitted to having participated in fraudulent transactions, noting that the pressure to reduce costs and meet the demands of customers and suppliers creates an environment conducive to these practices. His disclosure revealed that fraud is a systemic problem, not merely an individual action.
Institutional Response: The European Food Fraud Network
In response to the increasing prevalence of fraud, the European Union established the Food Fraud Network, with the aim of detecting and tracing counterfeit products. However, this network faces limitations in its enforcement capacity, as investigations and sanctions remain the responsibility of Member States. This fragmented structure often makes coordinated and effective action difficult.
The Case of Polish Steaks: Fraud in the Public Sector and State Indifference
In 2019, a scandal in France involved the distribution of minced steaks to charities, which turned out to be a mixture of bone tissue, connective tissue, mucous glands and other slaughterhouse by-products. This situation highlighted the vulnerability of food supply chains destined for the public sector and the need for stricter oversight in procurement processes. It also highlighted the lack of attention and cover-up of fraud by some state authorities.
Olive Oil Fraud: A Vulnerable Industry
Extra virgin olive oil, an emblematic product of the Mediterranean diet and a major economic driver in Italy, is a prime target for fraud. Substitution of olive oil for rapeseed oil and label manipulation are common strategies. Despite the implementation of advanced control systems in Italy, fraudsters continue to find ways to evade surveillance and make illegal profits.
Tuna Fraud: Chemical Manipulation and Health Risks
Tuna fraud involves chemical manipulation to improve its appearance and commercial value. The injection of nitrites into tuna to restore its red color, although illegal, is a widespread practice, which can cause poisoning and allergic reactions. The intervention of Europol, the European Union’s police agency, was necessary to dismantle fraudulent tuna trafficking networks.
Honey Fraud: Natural Honey at Risk
Pure honey, known for its health benefits and role in gastronomy, is a frequent target for fraud. The common practice of diluting honey with sugar syrup or mixing it with lower-quality honey puts the authenticity of the product at risk. Although quality control measures have been implemented in several Latin American countries, fraudsters continue to find ways to evade surveillance and obtain illegal benefits.
Cheese Fraud in Mexico
Recently, Profeco (Federal Consumer Protection Agency) conducted an exhaustive study to evaluate the quality and authenticity of 40 products, including 16 American cheeses and 24 imitation American cheeses. During this study, 7,258 tests were performed to verify the veracity of the nutritional information declared by the manufacturers.
It was found that, although all samples complied with regulations in terms of net content and sanitary quality, there were significant inconsistencies in fat, protein, and sodium content. For example, some brands declared higher fat content than actually found, while others, labelled as “reduced fat”, did not meet established standards.
Furthermore, products were detected that, despite being imitations, also contained milk fat, which can confuse consumers. The attached image highlights these inconsistencies and underlines the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure that food products on the market are authentic and safe.
Need for Collective Action and Systemic Change
FAO held a seminar entitled “Implications of Food Fraud and its Consequences for Health”, where experts discussed crucial management options to mitigate the impact of food fraud in the region.
Food fraud is a complex problem that requires coordinated action and systemic reform. Key points to address this issue include:
- Strengthening Regulation: Implementing stricter regulations throughout the food supply chain.
- Greater Transparency: Demand greater transparency in food production, distribution, and marketing processes.
- International Collaboration: Improve collaboration between regulatory and law enforcement agencies in different countries.
- Deterrent Sanctions: Apply more severe sanctions to those responsible for food fraud.
- Consumer Participation: Promote consumer awareness and participation to demand safe and authentic food.
Food fraud not only represents an economic issue, but also a significant risk to public health and consumer confidence. Only through a joint effort by regulators, producers, distributors, and consumers will it be possible to mitigate its effects and build a safer and more transparent food system.
6 government agencies where complaints about food fraud can be made
- United States: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Responsible for the safety inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products. FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Responsible for the safety of food and non-meat products.
- Mexico: PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Agency): Responsible for protecting consumer rights and resolving complaints about food products.
- Brazil: ANVISA (National Agency for Health Surveillance): Regulates and supervises the quality and safety of food and medicines.
- Spain: AECOSAN (Spanish Agency for Consumption, Food Safety and Nutrition): Responsible for food safety and consumer protection.
- Argentina: SENASA (National Service for Health and Agri-Food Quality): Supervises the quality and safety of food and agricultural products.
- Colombia: INVIMA (National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance): Regulates and controls the quality of food and medicines.
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