FSA Boosts Powers to Crack Down on Food Fraud
Food Crime Unit Granted New Powers to Combat Food Fraud in England and Wales
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced that the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) now has expanded investigatory powers to tackle food fraud more effectively across England and Wales, effective from May 2, 2025.
These powers, granted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), allow the NFCU to operate with greater independence in the fight against serious food crime.
Key New Powers for the National Food Crime Unit
Under the new regulations, NFCU investigators can now:
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Apply for and execute search warrants independently, without relying on local police forces.
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Access and secure premises where food crime is suspected, enabling timely evidence gathering and prevention of material destruction.
These powers represent a significant step forward in allowing the NFCU to respond swiftly to food crime intelligence and progress investigations more efficiently.
“This is a major step forward in protecting the integrity of the UK food supply chain,” said a spokesperson for the FSA.
Why These Powers Matter
The NFCU was formed in 2015 following the Elliot Review into the 2013 horse meat scandal, with a mission to prevent, detect, and disrupt serious criminal activity in food supply chains. Until now, the unit had to depend on police and other agencies to carry out certain enforcement actions.
Benefits of the new powers include:
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Faster and more effective investigations into food crime.
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Greater consumer protection and support for legitimate food businesses.
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Reduced pressure on police resources, enabling them to focus on other priorities.
What Is Food Crime?
The FSA defines food crime as serious fraud involving the production, processing, distribution, or sale of food. Examples include:
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Adulteration – adding inferior or undeclared ingredients to food.
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Substitution – replacing quality ingredients with cheaper alternatives.
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Misrepresentation – false labelling or misleading claims about origin or quality.
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Use of stolen food – introducing stolen items into the supply chain.
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Illegal processing – operating outside of regulated slaughter or production rules.
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Waste diversion – reintroducing food waste into the supply chain illegally.
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Document fraud – falsifying records or traceability data.
How to Report Food Crime
The FSA urges members of the public and food industry professionals to report any suspicions to Food Crime Confidential:
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Phone (UK): 0800 028 1180
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Phone (International): +44 207 276 8787
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Online: Visit the FSA website
Strengthening Trust in the UK Food Chain
These enhanced powers mark a significant milestone in the UK’s food safety landscape. By empowering the NFCU to act independently, the FSA aims to further protect consumers, safeguard businesses, and ensure that the UK’s food supply chain remains trustworthy and transparent.
Original source: Food Standards Agency (FSA)
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