UK Food Crime (National Food Crime Unit)

September is National Food Safety Education Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about safe practices that prevent foodborne illness.  Do you remember the infamous Horsemeat Scandal? How do other countries treat food crimes?

In this global interview, Dr. Darin Detwiler speaks (in London) with Andy Morling, (then) Deputy Head of the UK's National Food Crime Unit. The Unit was created after the 2013 horsemeat scandal to treat serious food fraud as crime - using policing methods, existing criminal law, and a strong focus on prevention, not just prosecutions. It drives a culture shift from “gentlemen’s” regulatory fixes to real deterrence, partnering with industry to design out vulnerabilities and educating consumers about authenticity and claims. With a multidisciplinary team and global coordination through the Five Eyes alliance, the unit tackles risks amplified by complex, international supply chains. Practical profiling shows that high-demand, low-discernment, document-heavy products (e.g., “100%” coconut water) are fraud-prone, while tech like blockchain is useful for traceability but no silver bullet. Persistent barriers include brand reluctance to report, ethical and equity concerns, and the need to protect informed consumer consent.

Watch now: “Leading Global Voices: Andy Morling (UK Food Crime - National Food Crime Unit)” [43:14]

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