- Abstract:
- This report summarises two projects delivered in 2023 by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist Ltd (LGC) through the Food Authenticity Network (FAN), funded under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Food Authenticity Programme. The programme supports Defra policy on food labelling and composition by developing analytical tools and promoting best-practice guidance to help regulators and industry verify label claims and detect food fraud. Established by LGC in 2015 following the horsemeat incident, the Food Authenticity Network strengthens the UK’s capability to detect and deter food fraud by increasing awareness of analytical testing approaches and providing access to a network of laboratories offering reliable, fit-for-purpose food testing services. The two projects were jointly funded by Defra, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to enhance UK laboratory capability in food authenticity testing. They addressed emerging analytical challenges, supported knowledge exchange, and improved access to information on relevant testing methods and technologies. Overall, the work helps strengthen the UK food testing infrastructure and supports regulators and industry in maintaining food integrity, traceability and authenticity within the food supply chain.
- PubYear:
- 2025
- Keywords:
- Food authenticity, Food fraud detection, Analytical testing methods,Food Authenticity Network (FAN),Food integrity, Traceability, Food supply chain, Emerging analytical technologies
- FundingBody:
- Defra, UK
- Contractor:
- LGC
- ProjCode:
- FA0199
- Associated:
- Type:
- Research: Desk Based
- OpenAccess:
- Yes
- URL:
- https://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/ProjectDetails?ProjectId=21839
- Comments: