Food authenticity and food defence are topics of concern in the food supply chain. ISO requires food defence biovigilance and bioterrorism to be addressed via a company’s prerequisite programme. In the EU there is probably a greater concern about food authenticity or fraud while in the USA the concern is more about food defence. The USA CFR 121 requires a food defence plan with the management components of monitoring, corrective action and verification clearly addressed. There are three specified threats in PAS 96:2026.The PAS 96:2026 focuses on the threats to the food and drink supply chain from ideologically motivated groups, economically motivated adulteration/ food fraud and cyber criminals.
EU regulation 2017/ 625 gives a definition of food fraud under article 1(2) of the Agri-food chain legislation. Within the EU, the European Commission Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality (KC- FFQ) plus operation OPSON provides detailed up-to-date intelligence on counterfeit food and beverages within the EU. The monthly reports from the KC-FFQ shares up to date scientific knowledge on food fraud and quality issues.
It is assumed within the standard that FBOs are aware of HACCP or similar risk management procedures, crisis management and business continuity management principles and have effective procedures in place. The TACCP (Threat Assessment Critical Control Point) or VACCP (Vulnerability) study should be integrated into the existing Food Safety Management System via the pre-requisite programme thus ensuring product safety and integrity.
The two day programme will take delegates through a 14 step process completing numerous workshops so that they will leave the course with the structure and content of a Food Defence Plan. Also available as a one day customised In-House programme.