What new detection methods and analytical approaches can be used to spot food fraud and non-adherence to regulation more rapidly?
Background
The 21st Century food system is characterised by its complexity and innovation. The emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent pandemic put immense strain on the global food system and tested its resilience. It highlighted that, in this interconnected and fast-moving world, we need access to the best data, intelligence and horizon scanning to understand changes in the system, the impact of these, and how they create vulnerabilities.
As a modern and accountable regulator the we must innovate and anticipate the impact of changes as well as make the most of new opportunities to regulate more effectively and efficiently. This includes adopting technological advances, digital tools and data analytics. It is also about using social research to gain a greater insight into the behaviour of consumers and the food businesses that supply them, to help ensure effective implementation.
Global events, new consumer trends, changing business practices, and food innovation can all create new risks and opportunities. In this area, we need research and evidence to understand the potential for disruption in our food system and the impact of change. We need to be able to identify new and emerging food technologies and be prepared for the opportunities and challenges arising from these novel foods and processes.
The overarching aim of this research priority is to ensure the FSA can remain at the cutting-edge when developing and implementing food regulations, can respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in a timely and effective.
Next steps
Get in touch: ari@food.gov.uk
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
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Related UKRI funded projects
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A holistic frameWork with Anticounterfeit and inTelligence-based technologieS that will assist food chain stakehOlders in rapidly identifying and preveNting the spread of fraudulent practices.
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Why might this be relevant?
The project offers a holistic framework with intelligence-based technologies to rapidly identify and prevent food fraud throughout the food chain.
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Cibus Analytical - Empowering the fight against food fraud
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Why might this be relevant?
The project aims to empower the fight against food fraud with innovative detection methods, but may not fully address all aspects of the question.
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Analyses of Food Supply Chains for Risks and Resilience to Food Fraud/Crime
As food supply chains have become increasingly global and complex, new and challenging risks have emerged. One of the risks gaining attention from industry, governments, regulatory bodies and consumer organisations is fo...
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Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on analyzing food supply chains for risks and resilience to food fraud, combining various disciplines to develop new approaches.