FSA launches food fraud hotline due to threat of criminality

This comes as food fraud-related crimes reportedly cost the UK up to £2 billion last year after alleged mislabelling of meat by a supermarket supplier.

The FSA says the new phone number will allow people to speak up, helping to “strengthen the collective response” to food crime.

The agency's chief executive Emily Miles said the organisation was looking into ways to prevent crime in the food and drinks sector.

It remains a difficult time for many, including those working in the food industry.

Take care of yourself and those around you this #WorldMentalHealthDay.

And if you are struggling, @MentalHealth has details on organisations that can help: https://t.co/bIf2zhC8A5 pic.twitter.com/lyHdBcAmte

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) October 10, 2023

The FSA added that it was working with the industry to encourage more whistleblowing.

New food fraud hotline launched by FSA after alleged mislabelling of meat by shop supplier

Meat supplier Loscoe Chilled Foods went into administration at the end of March after a criminal probe into alleged mislabelling of the company's products.

Three arrests have been made in connection with the investigation into pre-packaged meat received by high-end supermarket Booths.

The deli products were allegedly sourced from South America and Europe despite being labelled as British.

The FSA has confirmed that no further arrests have been made.

From 1 October 2023, 2,4 dinitrophenol (DNP) was reclassified by @ukhomeoffice as a poison under the Poisons Act 1972.

DNP can and does kill, sadly resulting in 33 deaths in the UK.

Report anyone selling DNP immediately: https://t.co/JFtjJScT7V

1/2 https://t.co/L13PJpKSb4

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) October 2, 2023

Ms Miles said: “The UK has some of the safest and most authentic food in the world, but there will always be a threat of criminality in the food system.

“Food businesses are the first and most important line of defence and we want to support them. This is one of the reasons why we launched a working group to explore together whether some areas of our collective response to food crime can be improved."

Helen Sisson, director and co-chair of the Food Industry Intelligence Network said: “We are pleased to be taking action with the FSA and our partners in the food industry to strengthen the way we can prevent food crime in our supply chains.

“Cooperation and communication between every part of the food system is vital to protect the public and the global reputation of UK food.”

Anyone who suspects food fraud can report it to “Food Crime Confidential” on food.gov.uk or by phoning 0800 028 1180 (0207 276 8787 for non-UK mobiles and calls).