Markets | European Union, International |
Organization | Knowledge for Policy |
Topic | Labelling, Alerts and recalls, Methods and Manufacturing, Trade, market and official controls. |
As summarized by the JRC: Adulterated alcoholic beverages, one of the most hazardous types of fraud, were reported in several countries around the world this month. Seizures of different volumes were noted in Brazil (wine), Colombia, Spain (rum, beer, wine), France, and Russia including human casualties. Origin and traceability were once again falsified either by false documentation or by smuggling food in Pakistan (sugar and red chili), Hong Kong (meat), Bolivia (corn, soybeans), Algeria (meat), Italy (meat, seafood), Spain (wine), Philippines (seafood, onions), Argentina (corn) and Costa Rica (cheese). Issues with expired powdered milk in Pakistan and mislabeled seafood in Chile (including endangered species) alarmed authorities in these countries. In an operation in India, police closed a factory that produced fake food supplements, while in France study identified extended adulteration of honey. Unfortunately, different indices and figures point towards a rapid increase in food fraud incidents and risks during the last quarter of 2021.