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With the F&B industry quickly and constantly adapting to changes, it is no secret that food fraud is a growing concern. From occurring in raw materials and ingredients to adulterated final products and/or tampered food packaging, the incidents of food fraud have increased the need to protect consumers as well as established brands. Given raw materials are sourced on a global scale, numerous food processing technologies are involved, along with a wide variety of products from around the world, aspects such as manufacturing, distribution, and retail become a highly complex business.
Although these incidents are not a new phenomenon, with supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, such occurrences are on the rise. Consequently, it has become imperative for brands to develop comprehensive control systems to ensure safe production & high-quality products. In addition, the authorities overlooking the food trade have introduced considerable obligations to not only strengthen food control systems across the globe but also enforce risk-based food safety strategies.
When people deliberately put products in the marketplace to mislead consumers for instant economic gains. The various ways to commit this scam include mislabeling, misrepresenting, substituting, altering, and tampering with any food product. In many cases, original ingredients are replaced with some cheaper ones.
Food safety experts have brought to attention the various consequences of these incidents. The adulteration and fake labeling of food products lead to low food quality and hence, an impact on consumers’ health. In addition, poor quality could result in a blow to the brand's credibility. Once the consumer reaches the conclusion that a particular food brand serves low-quality products, they may choose more reliable brands leading to a loss of a loyal consumer base for the company and economic viability for the industry as a whole.
Post the pandemic, people have become increasingly conscious of their health and the food they intake. Consumers have started asking questions on what goes into the making of food products and at the same time, companies have started introducing the latest technologies to ensure sufficient quality checks. As a result, companies offering high-quality products at affordable rates while maintaining acceptable standards of safety are likely to grow their customer bases and witness an increase in market share in the coming years. Thereby, indicating that there is an emerging concept and attention towards food safety measures while developing a sound food protection system.
Explore more about different and latest ways on how your brand can ensure safe food products to consumers and keep growing with the changing dynamics of the marketplace.
Tanvi Nigam is a food enthusiast who can be found at the trendiest restaurants on weekends! She is currently working with the Food 2.0 Conference which will focus on the latest trends in food & beverages, manufacturing tools and techniques, how to avoid scams and fraud in the F&B industry, and much, much more.
