Resources for local authorities tackling food fraud
Information on Agency resources local authorities can use to tackle food fraud, including the Food Fraud Advisory Unit, Fighting Fund and Food Fraud Database.
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Fighting Fund information
Decisions on resourcing for enforcement activity are a matter for local authorities, however, it is acknowledged that some local authorities have to deal with cases with unexpected resource implications.
Food Fraud Advisory Unit
The Food Fraud Advisory Unit (FFAU) provides an advisory resource for local authorities carrying out investigations into fraud that includes any illegal activity relating to food or animal feed.
Food fraud database
In 2006 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) established a national food fraud database. This central intelligence system uses a specialist intelligence management program that is used by many other law enforcement agencies, including the Welsh Food Fraud Co-ordination Unit. In addition to having powerful searching capabilities, it is used to detect emerging patterns of fraudulent activity.
Training for enforcement officers dealing with food fraud
The Agency provides training for enforcement officers in investigatory skills as part of its update training programme. There are currently two courses available - Local authority investigation skills and Evidence gathering and interview skills.