Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

"Food Fraud Unit" proposed to stop food scams

Fraud in the food industry – such as horse meat in kebabs and diluted olive oil – must be punishable by harsher penalties, writes the government's special investigator Eva-Lotta Hedin on Dagens Nyheter's debate page.

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 15:59

» Published: 14 June 2024

"Food Fraud Unit" proposed to stop food scams
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Fraud in the food industry – such as horsemeat in kebabs and diluted olive oil – must be punishable by stricter penalties, writes the government's special investigator Eva-Lotta Hedin on Dagens Nyheter's debate page.

According to Hedin, the countries that are best at uncovering food fraud have established specialised units that, in addition to traditional inspectors, can consist of police officers, journalists, auditors, and analysts.

The investigator therefore proposes that a special "fraud unit" be established at the National Food Agency. It will be responsible for the most advanced control and, among other things, consist of a "national control force with specialist expertise".

The regulatory authorities are also proposed to have extended opportunities to exchange information. The Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Chemicals Agency, and the National Food Agency will jointly be responsible for the fraud unit.

Furthermore, Hedin proposes a special penalty fee for food fraud that will serve as a deterrent.

"If the perpetrator has profited from the offence, the fee should be set at double the profit. If the profit cannot be calculated, the fee should instead be set based on the severity of the offence, up to 50 million kronor," writes the investigator.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime
1 MIN READ

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime

The Government Extends Border Control
1 MIN READ

The Government Extends Border Control

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen
2 MIN READ

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg
2 MIN READ

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud
2 MIN READ

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"