Food fraud is not a new challenge for the food industry. As supply chains become increasingly complex and economic pressures grow, the opportunities and incentives for food fraud can increase.
From ingredient substitution and mislabelling to counterfeit products and false certification claims, food fraud can affect businesses of all sizes.
What Is Food Fraud?
Food fraud is the deliberate substitution, addition, tampering, or misrepresentation of food, ingredients, packaging, or product information for economic gain.
Why Food Fraud Is Still a Major Concern in 2026
Food businesses continue to face increasing supply chain complexity, rising economic pressures, growing consumer expectations and stronger audit focus.
HACCP Is Not Enough
VACCP focuses on identifying opportunities for economically motivated adulteration and developing controls to reduce vulnerability.
What Should a Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment Include?
Ingredient risk, supplier risk and existing controls should all be assessed and documented.
Warning Signs That Your Assessment May Need Reviewing
No review within the last 12 months, new suppliers, ingredient price increases, supply shortages and changing risks are all triggers for review.
The Role of Supplier Approval in Preventing Food Fraud
A robust supplier approval process remains one of the strongest defences against food fraud.
Effective Traceability has never been so Important
Strong traceability systems help businesses check supply chain integrity and quickly respond to any incidents.
Food Fraud Prevention Is Not a One-Off Exercise
Food fraud risks change continuously and assessments should be reviewed regularly.
How Food Safety Assist Can Help
Food Safety Assist supports businesses through VACCP assessments, supplier approval programmes, internal audits, BRCGS support, SALSA support, HACCP reviews, traceability testing and training.
