EUROPE – The European Commission’s latest monthly report reveals an uptick in food fraud and non-compliance alerts within the European Union, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by regulatory authorities in safeguarding the food supply chain.
In July 2024, European countries flagged 325 potential cases of fraud, a notable increase from previous months, mirroring ongoing concerns over food safety and integrity.
Key issues raised include the presence of unauthorized ingredients, pesticide residues, and labeling discrepancies. Notably, ethylene oxide, a substance that has sparked controversy in recent months, continues to be a significant concern.
Detected in products from India, it underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with EU safety standards. Additionally, Sudan dyes, known for their carcinogenic properties, were identified in various food items, including palm oil from Ghana and chili powder from Afghanistan, further intensifying scrutiny on imported goods.
The report also highlights cases of products bypassing border controls, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing monitoring systems. In some instances, fraudulent activities were uncovered through market controls, whistleblower information, and consumer complaints.
For example, incidents of product tampering, such as the addition of ascorbic acid in Spanish tuna and poultry DNA in Polish pork sausages, exemplify the range of deceptive practices plaguing the food industry.
Among the most frequently flagged items were fruits and vegetables, with pesticide residues being the primary concern. This was followed by alerts related to dietetic foods, supplements, and fortified foods, as well as cereals and bakery products.
The diverse range of products implicated underscores the complexity of maintaining food safety across different sectors.
Beyond the food sector, the report also covers animal feed, food contact materials, and veterinary medicine products, indicating a broad spectrum of potential risks. The findings are expected to prompt further investigations by national authorities, who will use the data to implement targeted, risk-based controls.
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