EU reports latest batch of suspected fraud cases

An unauthorized meat operator from Brazil and illegally extending the shelf life of beef were among potential food fraud cases discussed recently in Europe.

Reports in Europe reached 129 in May 2025, which is down from the 235 alerts in April and 281 in May 2024. May 2025 saw a new methodology used around pesticide residues so figures should not be compared to previous months.

Issues listed are potential frauds. Non-compliances may lead to investigations by authorities in EU member states. Details come from a monthly report published by the European Commission.

Data includes suspected cross-border fraud topics shared between members of the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN). 

A total of 19 reports mentioned dietetic foods, food supplements, and fortified foods. Meat products excluding poultry and other/mixed food products were tied second with 12 notices.

The majority of issues were uncovered through market controls. On 11 occasions, the method of detection was a company’s internal check and another 11 times it was a consumer complaint. One problem was detected because of food poisoning. Concerns were raised twice following whistleblower information.

Examples of incidents
Four alerts involved the United States in May. They included sunset yellow in snacks, THC and CBD in sweets, and health claims on food supplements.

Adulteration cases involved pork meat in liver pate with wild boar from Belgium, artificial instead of natural vanilla in Austria, and other oils in olive oil.

Ethylene oxide was detected in cumin powder and a spice mix from Georgia. Sudan dyes were found in paprika powder from Syria.

In two beef cases, meat was frozen close to the expiry date and the best-before date was allegedly extended. Beef came from Chile via Spain and Australia via the Netherlands.

Chlorate was found in a chicken meat preparation from China and there was irradiation of falafel from Turkey by an unauthorized operator. Passport forgery was suspected in horses from Ireland, Germany, and Hungary.

Record tampering incidents included falsification of origin of tomatoes and strawberries with Croatia listed instead of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia. In another case, there was no purification certificate and mollusk registration document for clams from France.

There were unsuitable transport conditions of turkey meat from Poland and transport temperature problems with pork from Denmark.

Beef from Brazil was potentially from an unauthorized operator despite being packed under an approved company mark.

Several non-compliances listed ingredients not authorized in the EU, traceability defects, items skipping border controls, and pesticides above the maximum residue limits (MRL). 

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