Almost 300 requests for help in fighting food fraud were recorded by countries in the European Commission’s food fraud network last year.

The 2019 annual report of the EU FFN shows a steady increase in the number of requests for assistance concerning suspicion of fraud since 2016.

The EU Food Fraud Network (EU FFN) was established in 2013, after the horse meat scandal. Its IT tool, the Administrative Assistance and Cooperation (AAC) system, allows EU countries to exchange sensitive data in a structured and secure manner regarding breaches and suspected cases of food fraud.

There were a total of 292 requests for assistance and cooperation in 2019, while the Commission itself generated 70 requests in the system. Four of the requests were made by Ireland and six by the UK, but Germany (76) and France (38) led the pack.

The most common food products at the centre of suspected fraud were fats and oils, accounting for 44 requests, followed by fish and fish products (42) and meat and meat products (38).

Suspected fraud involving fruit and vegetables accounted for 28 requests for help and 16 related to poultry meat and products.

Other suspected frauds featured herbs, spices, cereals and bakery products, alcoholic drinks and nuts.

All of these incidents involved suspected international fraud.

Out of 292 requests created in 2019, some 81 involved foods of non-EU origin.