Food crime ‘likely’ in meat and alcohol sectors, says Scottish agency
Date of alert:
Wednesday, 9 November 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Police Scotland
Meat, seafood, and alcohol are among industries identified as being at high risk for food crime, according to a Scottish food crime unit.
A strategy for 2022 to 2025 outlines the priorities and actions being taken to prevent food crime, detect and deter criminality and prosecute offenders. The practice is often financially motivated but can pose a serious risk to public health. Priorities are reviewed annually.
The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) is part of Food Standards Scotland.
Officials said it was “highly likely” that food crime was taking place in the meat sector but it was challenging to understand the scale of criminal activities.
There are concerns in relation to fraudulently tagged livestock, misrepresentation of meat products, either by origin or shelf life date, and substitution.
