Guidance for Organisation of Informal Food Authenticity Surveillance Programmes
Abstract:
This guidance focuses on improving the design of informal food authenticity surveillance surveys, ensuring that sampling strategies are representative and appropriate so that reliable analytical results can be obtained. It emphasises the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of different sampling approaches and ensuring that sampling is conducted correctly. The AMWG also suggested developing explanatory notes for sampling specific commodities to assist both industry and enforcement authorities, although this was considered too large a task for the current project. Instead, the guidance prioritises practical advice on organising informal authenticity sampling programmes using validated methodologies. Overall, the aim is to improve food fraud detection, strengthen national sampling programmes, and support consistent laboratory practices in food authenticity testing.
Date:
2020
Keywords:
Food authenticity surveillance, Informal sampling programmes, Sampling strategy and representativeness, Food fraud detection, Laboratory standardisation, National sampling programmes
