Health & EnvironmentPosted on 10.08.2020

Be aware of food crime

Your passion and commitment is what helps give the UK its reputation for having some of the safest and most authentic food and drink in the world. 

But as the food industry reopens there may be individuals and businesses who’ll seek to take advantage of the public, and your business, through food crime.

Food crime can put people at risk and ruin a business’s good reputation. So it’s important to be vigilant in maintaining your high standards and to help keep people safe.



What to look out for

Unscrupulous suppliers may misrepresent dates and quality as they try to sell stock that has passed its use by date.

They may use illegal supply practices to meet consumer demand.

Surplus food stocks may be sold that have not been stored at the correct temperatures or handled in a hygienic manner, potentially making the food unsafe.



What you can do

Where possible, only buy food from trusted suppliers. 

Be watchful when approached by businesses offering stock that you have not previously had dealings with. If you can, find out where the food has originated from before purchasing anything.

Check the current market price. Prices of products are fluctuating but be wary if suppliers are offering products at a lower price than usual. Too good to be true often is just that. 

If a product has accreditation claims which you doubt, check with the accreditation body to ensure that the claims are legitimate.

Keep up to date with any import restrictions that may have an effect on the availability of products.

If you become aware of possible criminal activity which may affect consumers, or you and your business - then please let the National Food Crime Unit know.

They can be contacted via email or telephone and any information you share with them will be treated confidentially. 

Email: [email protected]
Food Crime Confidential: 0207 276 8787
Confidential Reporter: https://www.food.gov.uk/contact/consumers/report-problem/report-a-food-crime

Further information and advice on food crime can be found on the Food Standards Agency Website