Food Standards Scotland collaborates to tackle food crime
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So far Food Standards Scotland has announced 17 industry partners that have pledged to support its Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) so far, in raising awareness of food crime and how to report it.
Collaborating organisations include Seafood Scotland, Scotland Food And Drink, Quality Meat Scotland, Crimestoppers and Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA).
SFCIU's Ron McNaughton said: "Food crime costs the UK economy around £1.2 billion each year and it’s vital we tackle it to uphold Scotland’s well-deserved reputation for food that’s safe and of the highest quality and standard.
"We’re delighted to have support from key organisations which encourages food crime reporting as well as setting a standard for others.
"We rely on working with partners, and intelligence we get from industry is vital in helping us bring criminals to justice.”
Any knowledge or suspicions of food crime can be reported to the SFCIU’s free and confidential Scottish Food Crime Hotline, run in partnership with Crimestoppers, on 0800 028 7926 or the secure online form.
SALSA’s scheme development manager Bonnie Joplin said: “Consumers expect that the food they buy is safe and is what it says it is.
“It’s important that everyone along the food chain works together to tackle food crime – that’s why we are proud to support this initiative and the great work of the SFCIU.”
Food Standards Scotland recently collaborated with Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Safety at Queen’s University Belfast, on a video examining key issues facing industry and businesses when tackling food crime.
He said: “With complex supply chains and so many elements involved in bringing food to consumers, it is vital we work with industry and provide as much support for producers and suppliers as possible.
“The SFCIU’s collaboration with industry harnesses an information-sharing approach in Scotland and across the globe, setting a gold standard in the fight against rogue operators.”
Any organisations wishing to learn more about the SFCIU and how to be a supporting partner can contact: marketing@fss.scot.
More information on the report food crime toolkit is available at: https://bit.ly/2FWJQmA
There is also a video:
