Have you ever wondered if the food you’re serving is as authentic as it claims to be? Food fraud is a growing concern that can jeopardise both your reputation and the safety of your guests.
From mislabelled products to items that have been altered, this deception can take many forms – each carrying its own risks and consequences. Read on to explore the three most common types of food fraud, plus practical tips on how to prevent them…
What is food fraud?
Food fraud involves intentionally tampering with food products to deceive customers or businesses for economic gain. This can often take the form of adulteration, substitution, and addition of key ingredients.
The unethical practice not only undermines consumer trust, but can also lead to severe health risks and legal repercussions. For hospitality businesses especially, it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive in order to ensure the authenticity of your food supplies – and in turn, the dishes you’re plating up.
Adulteration: When quality is compromised
Adulteration occurs when a food product is diluted with cheaper or lower-quality ingredients. This practice can significantly compromise the taste, nutritional value, and safety of the food.
A prime example of adulteration is olive oil. Pure olive oil is often diluted with cheaper vegetable oils – this affects the flavour and may also mislead consumers who believe they are paying a premium for authentic olive oil. Just last month, The Guardian reported that olive oil fraud and mislabelling cases had hit a record high in the EU following price hikes.
Some honey products are commonly adulterated with high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners, weakening the product’s natural flavour and impacting its health benefits.
| How to prevent food adulteration Source verification: Establish strong relationships with reputable suppliers and ask for detailed product information and certification. Lab testing: Regularly test food products for purity – especially if you suspect they might be adulterated. Sensory checks: Conduct visual, taste, and smell tests. For example, genuine honey has a unique viscosity and flavour that’s difficult to mimic. |
Substitution: When genuine ingredients are replaced
Substitution involves replacing a key ingredient with a cheaper or less desirable alternative. This type of food fraud can be particularly harmful when it involves allergens or ingredients integral to a dish’s authenticity.
Premium fish like tuna or cod may be swapped out for less expensive species, misleading customers about what they’re consuming. Cheese is another common culprit – with real Parmesan substituted with processed cheese products that lack the authentic taste and texture.
| How to prevent food substitution Supplier audits: Perform regular audits of your suppliers to ensure that the ingredients you receive match your order. Detailed invoicing: Verify that invoices and delivery notes align with the products delivered. Ingredient verification: Use ingredient verification services or technologies to confirm the authenticity of certain food items. |
Addition: When hidden ingredients come into play
Addition fraud refers to the inclusion of substances in food products that are not listed on the label, usually to enhance a product’s appearance or weight. This can pose serious health risks – particularly for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
Milk is a key product to keep an eye on as part of your efforts to limit substitution. Non-dairy powders or starches might be added to milk to increase volume or thickness, giving customers a false impression about its true content. Another regularly impacted item is juice – water or artificial flavours may be added here to stretch the product, affecting its taste and nutritional profile.
| How to prevent food addition Label scrutiny: Always check labels for inconsistencies or unexpected additives. Genuine products should have clear, accurate ingredient lists. Customer feedback: Encourage feedback from customers who may notice unusual taste or texture changes. Regular training: Train staff to recognise and report any suspicious changes in food products. |
Uphold integrity in your hospitality business
Food fraud remains a persistent threat to businesses – but by understanding its most common types and implementing robust detection measures, you can better protect your business and your patrons.
Shield Safety is the UK’s only Safe to Trade certification body – we carry out independent audits to help your business meet, and exceed, food safety and health and safety regulations. We’ll help you identify potential food fraud risks in your supply chain, so you can act fast should you need to.
Reach out to us to see how we can keep your business thriving and your customers safe.
