Attention all food industry stakeholders: The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has issued an ‘AMBER’ alert, warning of a surge in fraudulent activities that threaten the integrity of the food supply chain. The most concerning development is the deliberate falsification of laboratory test certificates – an act that enables unsafe or non-compliant products to enter the market undetected.
Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to manipulate test results, including:
- Altering genuine documents
- Presenting misleading data
- Forging certificates from inactive laboratories.
These deceptive practices put consumer safety and regulatory compliance at serious risk. Now more than ever, businesses must remain vigilant and strengthen their due diligence processes.
How Food Fraud is Being Carried Out
The NFCU has identified multiple fraudulent tactics being used to mask food safety violations. The most common include:
- Tampering with genuine laboratory documents – Key details such as dates, test results, or certification numbers are deliberately altered to misrepresent compliance.
- Using misleading secondary data sources – Fraudsters provide spreadsheets or reports where critical data has been manipulated, often omitting out-of-specification results.
- Forging certificates from closed laboratories – Criminals exploit details from non-operational or defunct labs to fabricate false certifications.
These deceptive practices not only compromise food safety but also erode trust within the industry. Businesses must implement rigorous verification processes and collaborate with authorities to prevent fraudulent activities from slipping through the cracks.
Why This Matters
The rise in fraudulent laboratory results is a serious concern for businesses that rely on test results to:
- Assess food safety
- Ensure compliance with legislation
- Approve the use of products or suppliers
Any compromise in these areas can have severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Recommended Actions
If you suspect a test result may be fraudulent, the NFCU recommends the following steps:
1. Review Documents Carefully
Look for errors in wording, layout, or discrepancies in dates on certificates.
2. Check for Layout Issues
Be aware of shadowing or misalignment around key data such as dates, signatures, or values – these may indicate tampering.
3. Verify Original Sources
Where possible, review the original emails or access results directly through official portals. Avoid relying solely on second-hand references, such as Excel spreadsheets.
4. Consult the Laboratory
If in doubt, contact the laboratory named on the certificate or report concerns to the NFCU. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it confidentially to the NFCU via:
Freephone: 0800 028 1180
Post:
National Food Crime Unit
Food Standards Agency
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH
Email: foodcrime@food.gov.uk
Additionally, stay vigilant for document fraud in other certificates, such as:
- Third-party assurance certificates
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certificates
- Product specifications
Reporting concerns promptly helps protect the integrity of the food supply chain.
Together, We Can Combat Food Crime
By remaining vigilant and following the NFCU’s guidance, businesses can prevent fraud, safeguard public health, and maintain consumer trust.
Shield Safety is committed to keeping the industry informed and protected. Let’s work together to eliminate food fraud and uphold the highest safety standards.
