Uncovering the Alarming Rise of Food Crime in the UK

A recent report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has shed light on the growing threat of food crime in the United Kingdom. The assessment, which covers the period from 2020 to 2024, reveals a concerning array of illicit activities that are costing the UK economy up to £2 billion annually.

Exposing the Underbelly of the UK's Food Supply Chain

Shellfish Smuggling and Unregistered Premises

The report highlights a reduction in the entry of illegally harvested shellfish into the UK food chain, likely due to changes in export regulations following the country's departure from the European Union. However, the issue of contaminated or overfished shellfish from unclassified beds remains a persistent threat to public health. Additionally, the assessment has identified a rise in the number of unregistered or unapproved premises involved in the handling, production, or sale of animal by-products (ABP), which is likely driven by financial incentives and the desire to avoid regulatory oversight.

Illicit Imports and Fraudulent Labeling

The report also reveals a concerning increase in the retail availability of illicit imports, known as "grey market goods," within the UK. These non-compliant products, including alcohol, confectionery, soft drinks, and meat, often feature inaccurate labeling for allergens and unauthorized ingredients, posing a risk to consumers.

Demand for Culturally Preferred Products

Consumer demand for culturally preferred products, such as pork from countries affected by African Swine Fever, has led to the emergence of advanced methods of deception, including document fraud and the use of false health marks. Additionally, the report highlights the unlawful processing of sheep and pigs to satisfy the demand for meat prepared in styles different from standard UK production, often linked to religious holidays and cultural celebrations.

The Rise of Smokies and Unsafe Raw Pet Food

The report sheds light on the growing demand for "smokies" – skin-on, blowtorched sheep and goat carcasses – which has created opportunities for organized criminal groups operating in rural areas of Wales. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of raw pet foods has contributed to a rise in unregistered businesses diverting animal by-products, including high-risk materials, from lawful waste disposal routes, posing a significant health risk to pets and their owners.

Adulteration and Contamination Concerns

The report also highlights the detection of lead contamination in spices, including chili, turmeric, and cinnamon, in the UK, although the cause of this adulteration remains unclear. Additionally, the recall of applesauce products containing cinnamon from Ecuador due to high lead concentrations in the United States serves as a cautionary tale, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 519 people impacted by the outbreak.

Evolving Threats and Emerging Risks

The report also identifies emerging threats, such as the fraudulent entry of cattle into the food chain through document fraud, as well as a shift from illegal slaughtering within approved premises to illicit operations on farms and private land. Furthermore, the report highlights the potential for authenticity issues in products like olive oil, honey, herbs, and spices, as well as the mixing of milk types and the use of surplus turkey to meet chicken orders, which can be driven by financial incentives and the desire to reduce food waste and disposal costs.As the UK's food supply chain continues to face significant disruption, the report emphasizes the need for vigilance and collaboration between industry, regulatory authorities, and local partners to tackle the growing threat of food crime and protect legitimate businesses and consumers.