Food Fraud: Why it matters to your business

Food fraud may not make daily headlines, but it’s an insidious and serious issue, impacting everyone throughout the food supply chain. From farmers, manufacturers, suppliers, retail and hospitality to consumers it’s not only a matter of fraud, but also safety, as harmful contamination might take place, affecting those suffering from allergies.  

In the UK alone, the estimated cost of fraudulent food and drink is between £296 million to £1.48 billion each year (Food Standards Agency). But the issue goes beyond financial losses, posing threats to consumer health, brand trust, and industry standards. Anyone in the food chain affected by fraud could also find themselves facing regulatory action. 

In his article for New Food Magazine, Professor Chris Elliott highlights vegetable oils as a food posing major fraud risk; oils have been found, contaminated in ways that can cause serious health issues and even death. This underlines the urgent need for vigilance for all food businesses. 

Join us on 25 November at 2 – 3:30 PM for an expert-led webinar that will equip you with the knowledge to recognise and combat food fraud, safeguard your brand, and protect consumers. Led by the Food Alert Technical Advisory Board and special guest Professor Chris Elliott, this session will cover: 

• What food fraud looks like in practice: Examples from the field and insights into who it impacts. 

• Health risks: How fraud impacts consumer health, especially for those with allergies. 

• Financial implications: The high cost of recalls across the supply chain – £15m in recalls alone. 

• Legal landscape: Where responsibility lies and how regulations apply. 

• Customer confidence: The brand impact of failing to meet expectations. 

• Your responsibilities: Legal and ethical obligations for food businesses from suppliers to hospitality 

• Protective measures: Practical steps to safeguard your business and customers. 

• The importance of supplier approval: How it helps with fraud prevention. 

• Insurance considerations: Why insurance is essential in navigating food fraud risks. 

This session will also feature a roundtable Q&A with Food Alert’s industry experts Dr. Lisa Ackerley, Darryl Thomson, Kathryn Gilbertson, Nita Patel and Anna Pozarova from Randall Parker Group. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the leaders in food safety.