European Countries Face Challenges with Risk-Based Food Fraud Controls, Report Reveals
European countries continue to grapple with the implementation of risk-based food fraud controls, according to a recent report. Since 2019, member states have been mandated to carry out such controls to detect and prevent fraudulent and deceptive practices in the agri-food sector. The report, commissioned by the EU Commission’s DG Sante project, focuses on the efforts of eight countries in developing controls and strategies to combat fraud in the agri-food chain.
One of the key challenges identified in the report is the lack of a clear definition of fraudulent and deceptive practices at the European level. This has posed difficulties for authorities in implementing the necessary fraud-related measures. The absence of an agreed EU definition has made it harder to address fraudulent practices that pose risks to food safety, as well as those that arise due to a lack of traceability of products.
The report also highlighted the complexity of planning risk-based controls and the resource-intensive nature of fraud-related control measures. It emphasized that fraudulent and deceptive practices often have a cross-border dimension, but there are also instances where risks are confined to a national, regional, or local level.
To address these challenges, the report highlighted the importance of activities carried out by organizations like Europol. Operations such as Operation Opson and EU coordinated actions on herbs, spices, and honey have helped member states gain valuable experience in combating deceptive practices. Future actions will focus on tackling illegal plant protection products in 2023 and seafood short-weighting in 2024.
All EU nations are engaged in some form of controls related to the adulteration of food products, the use of illegal substances, and quality aspects of food. However, the intensity and scope of e-commerce controls vary significantly between countries, with varying degrees of consideration given to fraud-related aspects.
The report also noted that fraudulent practices in the food chain can be linked to other illegal activities, such as tax evasion, undeclared and illegal work, theft, and smuggling. However, the level of cooperation between national agencies in addressing these issues varied.
The use of data and resource constraints were among the challenges faced by member states. While all countries make use of the EU Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN), there are often delays in replies due to technical problems or staff shortages. In some cases, alternative communication channels were used, resulting in reduced effectiveness of the network. The report emphasized the need for better vulnerability assessments and improved data collection and analysis. It also called for enhanced fraud-related training for staff involved in official controls.
Penalties and sanctions imposed by courts as part of national legislation were also identified as an area that needed attention. The report highlighted the importance of ensuring that economic gain obtained by operators through fraudulent practices is sufficiently taken into account when imposing penalties.
In March 2023, the EU Commission published a guidance document to support member states in combating fraud in the agri-food supply chain. The Commission’s Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) training initiative also aims to enhance knowledge and skills in fighting fraudulent practices.
Despite the challenges faced by European countries, efforts are being made to strengthen risk-based controls and strategies to combat food fraud in the agri-food sector. The report serves as a valuable resource for member states in identifying best practices and addressing the gaps that exist in the fight against fraudulent and deceptive practices.
