Strengthen Your Food Fraud Defences

This week, 20 SALSA members took part in a hands-on food crime workshop in collaboration with the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU). The interactive session walked participants through a real-time, desk-based food fraud scenario designed to simulate the challenges businesses might face during a food crime incident.

Throughout the day, members explored the key steps in responding to a suspected fraud case – from identifying red flags and triggering internal procedures to communicating with key stakeholders and preserving evidence. Guided by NFCU experts, the session provided practical insights into building business resilience, strengthening fraud prevention strategies and understanding the vital role and services of the NFCU.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to put theory into practice. The scenario really brought the complexity of food fraud to life and gave our team the confidence to know how we’d respond if this happened for real.” Ruth Burgess, delegate

What You Should Know:

1. Recognise Red Flags Early

It’s important for businesses to know what signs might point to food fraud, things like odd behaviour from suppliers or discrepancies in documentation. Trust your instincts!

2. Have a Clear Action Plan

Every business needs a clear action plan to follow if something suspicious happens, especially when decisions must be made quickly. Having a structured, step-by-step internal process is essential when dealing with potential food fraud incidents.

3. Communication Matters

Effective communication is crucial - identify who needs to be informed within and outside the business. Knowing who to tell, when and how can make a big difference during a crisis.

4. Record-Keeping & Evidence Preservation

Keep good records! Writing things down and keeping hold of important information is vital if there’s ever an investigation or legal follow-up.

5. Everyone Has a Role (Create a Crisis Team)

Identify who is involved in a food crime incident, from technical staff to senior management and create a Crisis Team. It’s helpful when everyone knows what they’re responsible for if there’s a food fraud issue.

6. Know How to Work with the NFCU

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) offers free support and guidance to help businesses tackle food crime, so it’s worth contacting them before an issue arises.

7. Test Your Plan in a Safe Environment

Practice makes perfect! Trying out your plans in a safe environment gives the Crisis Team a valuable chance to apply knowledge in a no-risk setting, helping to identify gaps or improvements in current systems.

8. Learn from Others

Talking things through with people from other businesses is a great way to pick up new ideas, compare experiences and share ideas

If you Suspect a Food Crime Incident contact the National Food Crime Unit:

foodcrime@food.gov.uk            0800 028 1180 or 020 7276 8787