St Pauls Chambers have a number of members who can defend and prosecute in food fraud cases. Our food fraud barristers at St Pauls Chambers offer a complete service and can advise clients and provide expertise at all stages of food fraud cases.
Food fraud is defined by Europol and Interpol as:
‘the deliberate placing on the market, for financial gain, foods which are falsely described or otherwise intended to deceive the consumer’.
This becomes a crime when it no longer involves a few random acts within the food industry but becomes an organised activity perpetrated by groups who knowingly set out to deceive and or injure those purchasing a food product. It is, however, important to note that the investigation process will be disruptive and businesses and individuals can be unduly targeted.
Food authenticity is about food offered for sale or sold is of the nature, substance and quality expected by the purchased. Authenticity can be a particular issue for faith groups or consumer with particular food preferences who do not want to purchase products with certain ingredients.
The Food Standards Agency is responsible for food safety and food hygiene across the UK, working against food adulteration and for food fraud prevention. They work with local authorities to enforce food safety regulations for food fraud protection and have staff who work in UK meat plants to check that the requirements of the regulations are being met. The FSA also commission research related to food safety.
Food fraud now falls under HM Government’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy, published in October 2013 which echos four strands of counter-terrorism strategy: pursue, prevent, protect and prepare. Unfortunately, the £24bn estimate of serious organised crime does not include food crime. The new National Crime Agency are apparently ‘very interested in information regarding the involvement of organised crime in food fraud’.
If you think you are the subject of such an investigation or you have been requested to attend an interview you must make attempts to secure the right person and team to assist you in the process of building your defence. Contact St Pauls Chambers today, or visit our blog to learn more about the Food Safety Act and the different types of food fraud.
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Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF
For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.
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Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
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