Food News

Food fraud is when food products are adulterated or misrepresented for financial gain. This is a growing global challenge in the 2020s, affecting public health, consumer confidence and economies.

A recent review of emerging food technologies and digitalisation looks at ways to combat food fraud. It outlines analytical methods (spectroscopic, imaging, chromatographic, spectrometry, molecular DNA assays, and novel sensor platforms), used for rapid, improved food authentication and to identify adulterants. Data-driven approaches, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and blockchain systems also enhance pattern recognition and traceability.

The authors mention a total of 1621 food fraud incidents that have been reported from 2020 to 2024. (https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/food-fraud-quality/jrc-food-fraud-monthly-report_en). The Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission (EC) has established a detailed framework for classifying food fraud in the European Union (EU), grouping it into five key categories:

1) adulteration (e.g.: dilution, substitution, illegal additions etc.)
2) counterfeiting (e.g. geographical claims, unauthorized use of seals, etc.)
3) document forgery (e.g. fake documents and analysis certificates)
4) grey market activities ( smuggling, illegal slaughter etc.)
5) misdescription, including mislabelling and misbranding (e.g. faked expiry dates, geographical claims; wrong nutrtuional labelling, wrong weight or volume)

Countries with most reported cases in the observation period in Europe were: Italy , Spain, France and Turkey. Worldwide the top countried with food fraud cases were: India, followed by Brazil, China and USA

A "heat map" of global food fraud cases from 2020 to 2024, classified by category of food fraud and food group, can be found here (source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224425004492#bib21).

According to this, adulteration, which accounted for around 22% of fraud cases, is the second most common type of fraud.

AI-based predictive analytics can be used in conjunction with laboratory methods to detect fraud more effectively. Blockchain and IoT innovations enable real-time tracking of food authenticity.

YOUR PLUS: The laboratories of the AGROLAB GROUP work together with specialised partner laboratories to support our customers when food fraud is suspected.

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP