NVWA shares analysis of fraud in the meat sector

A summary of investigations in the Netherlands has revealed financial gain is the most important motive for fraud in the red meat sector.

The analysis by the Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA-IOD) is based on more than ten years of investigations into the red meat chain.

By sharing insights from investigative practices from 2010 to 2023, NVWA hopes to increase companies’ and government officials’ awareness of fraud opportunities and risks so they can take measures to combat fraud or report it to the NVWA.

By committing fraud, a firm can save costs or generate extra income. While some do this to remain financially viable, others simply want to generate as much profit as possible.

Complex supply chain
NVWA said the industry has the primary responsibility for preventing fraud. Fraud in the red meat supply chain can harm food safety, public health, and animal health and welfare. Some forms of fraud also potentially negatively impact consumer confidence and company competition.

There are thousands of companies in the sector in the Netherlands, with many links in the supply chain and import and export activities.

Many of the types of fraud that the NVWA-IOD has identified impact the traceability of animals and meat throughout the chain. Another area is the sale of meat from illegal slaughter and animal by-products unsuitable for human consumption. Cases involving regular meat sold as organic and changing the origin have been identified. Other examples include modifying documents, recording incorrect data, or omitting information.

NVWA-IOD said service providers such as cold stores and veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing or facilitating fraud due to their position in the chain.

The Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie) commissions investigations and prosecution often takes several years. Restrictions on investigative powers hampered some inquiries involving meat products instead of fresh meat.

Example areas of fraud
From 2018 to 2023, NVWA-IOD registered 200 fraud signals in relation to the red meat chain. The most signals in this period were recorded in 2020, with more than 50.

From 2010 to 2023, NVWA-IOD conducted 38 investigations into fraud and other illegal activities in the segment. The agency also contributed to another 22 investigations between 2016 and 2023.

NVWA-IOD acknowledged these figures may not represent the scale of fraud in the red meat chain as the practice is difficult to detect and the focus and enforcement priorities of the agency influence data.

Fraud in relation to live animals can include veterinary medicines and antibiotics, keeping more animals or not as many as listed in official records, welfare issues during transport, and illegal export using forged certificates.

In 2016 and 2017, NVWA-IOD registered fraud signals regarding the trading of horses with forged passports. In 2022, the agency again recorded several signals about fraudulent practices in the horse trade.

Illegal slaughter can take place when there is no supervision by NVWA at the slaughterhouse, for example, outside regular hours. Animals can also be killed in unapproved establishments. Two such cases involving sheep occurred in 2020 and 2023.

Some frauds are carried out to save costs or make money. This can include mixing batches of meat, adding sulfites to conceal poor quality, or adding water to increase the weight of meat without stating this on the label.

One investigation in 2016 involved the sale of meat via a closed Facebook group. It was suspected that meat not intended for human consumption was sold. While the investigation showed that the supplier was not registered for the preparation and processing of meat products, it was not possible to trace the origin of the meat. Fines and community service were imposed on suspects, but an appeal was lodged.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/08/nvwa-shares-analysis-of-fraud-in-meat-sector/