Fruit and Vegetable Industry Session N°6

Because food fraud is intentional and those committing fraud try to avoid detection, combating food fraud requires a comprehensive approach, collaborations across multistakeholder and disciplines. Strategies and investments need to be done by the public and private sector in the development and adoption of food fraud detection technologies, including food testing laboratories, effective oversight and monitoring with improved traceability systems from farm to fork, training of staff to detect fraudulent goods, legislation targeting food fraud. A legal definition of food fraud is missing. Information campaigns sensitising consumers on food fraud are critical as a significant part of food fraud has serious health consequences for final consumers. The role of the private sector in improving its traceability and audit systems investing in food fraud prevention is also key. Improved data collection is required for developing evidence-based action plans to combat fraud at both national and intra-continent levels to safeguard consumer health.

New technologies are important in combatting food fraud as they enhance the transparency and traceability of the food supply chain (i.e., blockchain can help to track the movement and condition of food products along the supply chain), improve the detection and verification of food authenticity and origin (i.e., spectroscopy and DNA testing), create new products, services such as food testing, certification, or e-commerce, that can increase the value and competitiveness of the food sector. Investments in new technologies by public authorities, as well as the food industry need to increase to prevent food fraud and transparency of the food chain.