New powers have come into effect that equip the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) in England and Wales with specific investigatory powers under The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) NFCU investigators will be able to apply for and execute search warrants, with the appropriate safeguards. FSA said this will help to protect customers and businesses from food fraud more effectively.
Over the past decade, the NFCU has worked with partner organisations such as the Police and Local Authorities (LAs) fighting food fraud, prosecuting and deterring offenders.
Andrew Quinn, head of FSA’s NFCU, stated: “These new powers are a vital tool to ensure that NFCU investigations can be progressed more directly and effectively. Our investigators will be able to apply for and execute search warrants, increasing our ability to respond quickly to intelligence and to continue to ensure that swift action is taken to tackle food fraud.
“Consumer confidence in the safety and authenticity of food is high, part of an environment which helps create the conditions for British businesses to flourish. We’ll still be working closely with partners like Police and Local Authorities, and our new powers will free up their vital resources so they can be diverted to other priorities while we have more capabilities to protect legitimate businesses and consumers.”
“The many bona fide food businesses and UK consumers will be better protected as a result.”
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, commented: “Making sure our food is authentic and safe for the British public to consume is vital, which is why it is essential to boost the National Food Crime Unit powers to tackle food fraud.
“More broadly our cross-Government food strategy will make sure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, and protect the planet and nourish individuals, now and into the future.”
Professor Chris Elliott, Professor of food safety and microbiology at Queen’s University, said: “The new powers that have been given to the FSA’s NFCU are of huge importance in the on-going fight against food crime in the UK. The ability to enter and search premises immediately following the arrest of suspects will make it much more difficult for criminals to dispose of incriminating evidence and cover their tracks.
“I have supported this advance in the Unit’s powers for many years and am delighted to see them coming into force. The many bona fide food businesses and UK consumers will be better protected as a result.”
