Food Fraud

Food Fraud

autuMn 2017 MEAT TrACEABILITY Food fraud: tracing the meat Firms must insist their suppliers can prove the provenance of products if another horsemeat scandal is to be avoided It is vital that caterers and their suppliers follow traceability rules, otherwise they leave themselves open to prosecution for misleading customers A recent survey by Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has uncovered a worrying contravention of traceability rules by some suppliers of meat to caterers. Trading Standards officers from across Central England visited meat suppliers to check if they were giving their caterers the documentation necessary to identify the product and where it had come from. Meat supplied to caterers by smaller wholesale butchers was typically not accompanied by the following legally required information: l An accurate description of the food l The volume or quantity l The name and address of their business l The name and address of who they are supplying to l A reference identifying the lot, batch or consignment l The date of dispatch This information is intended to ensure that meat is traceable to the animal it came from, and has to be provided by all companies supplying animal products to another business. In addition, all businesses such as retailers and caterers must keep a copy of this information in case it is required by Food Safety officers. The survey found that, where documents were provided, descriptions such as Keema and Meat were common. These are not sufficient to comply with traceability law and do not allow caterers to ensure they are describing their meals accurately and honestly. If you decide to translate the label yourself, you are responsible for making sure it is accurate any errors, and you will be liable for any problems that arise After the horsemeat scandal in 2013, it is vital that caterers and their suppliers follow traceability rules, otherwise they leave themselves open to prosecution for misleading customers. A restaurateur was prosecuted recently and fined 5,000 for selling a lamb curry that did not contain lamb. He was also fined because the meat could not be traced back to a supplier. All businesses involved in the meat-supply chain need to pay attention to the importance of traceability. You should insist that appropriate labelling and documentation accompanies all the meat you buy, keep this information, and pass it on where necessary. This is not only a legal requirement, but also ensures you dont buy meat that may have been illegally slaughtered or was not intended for the human food chain. ultimately, no business wants to be an unwitting participant in a new horsemeat scandal. Credit: Stuart Powell iStock.com / kycstudio iStock.com / Xnoderog w For further information on traceability requirements, see Food Standards Agency guidance or contact your local Trading Standards or environmental health department. Foreign-language laBelling All food on sale in the UK must be labelled in English, with mandatory food information a list of ingredients, on its own, is not enough. Additional languages for non-English speakers can, of course, also appear on the label. If food is not labelled in English, retailers should not put it on their shelves. In 2014, a company was fined more than 3,500 after being prosecuted for selling produce that wasnt labelled in English. Wholesalers should also ensure that food information is provided in English. importers: If you import food from outside the European Union, you become responsible for the food and will need to add your business name and address to the packaging. The Food Standards Agency has further information on imported food on its website. translating labels: The English translation should be done by the manufacturer or the business named on the label; they are in the best position to know exactly what is in the food. If you decide to translate the label yourself, you are responsible for making sure it is accurate and you will have to include your name and address on the label. If there are any errors in your translation, you will be liable for any problems that arise. allergies: Some people are allergic to certain foods, and incorrect allergen information could lead to serious health implications or even death for them. In 2009, a market trader was taken to court and ordered to pay costs of nearly 5,000 for selling foreignlabelled chocolates that did not declare the presence of nuts. trading Standards: If you supply food in the UK with no English labelling, dont be surprised if you receive a visit from Trading Standards officers. So act now, and contact your supplier or your local Trading Standards department to ensure your food is labelled legally. For further information please contact your local trading Standards Service