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This project conducted targeted surveillance sampling of retail food products for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to identify emerging food safety risks and enhance the FSA’s intelligence on the food system. The programme was delivered in partnership with 3 Local Authority Official Food and Feed Laboratories (OLs) and 2 private OLs in England and Wales.

A total of 822 food samples from 24 different food commodity types were purchased from physical and online retailers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and were tested for compliance with relevant food regulations.

The samples were categorised into basket or frequently consumed foods, surveillance foods to inform the FSA’s knowledge of risk, and science and research foods to inform the FSA’s scientific knowledge and policy development. The overall findings showed that most foods were compliant with the testing and assessments undertaken.

Authenticity

A total of 260 samples were tested for authenticity and 94% were reported as authentic.

• When examined microscopically, 5 of the 30 oregano samples were found to contain other leaves in addition to oregano.
• Basmati rice has a unique aroma and flavour, and its cooking qualities make it a premium product. 13% of basmati rice samples tested were found to contain more non-Basmati rice varieties than is permitted.
• Out of the 30 pasta samples claiming to be made from durum wheat one was found to be unsatisfactory for authenticity with common wheat suggested to be present at a level greater than 3%.
• Also, 4 pork sausages were found to contain meat other than pork. The levels were low suggesting the presence was indicative of poor practice or cross contamination rather than deliberate inclusion. Similarly, one lamb mince ready meal contained other meat species, meaning the product was not what the buyer was expecting.

Composition

Compositional aspects of 405 samples were tested, and 87% were compliant.

• Compositional testing was conducted on orange juice which was found to be satisfactory in this regard. However, 23% of chicken ready meals and 23% of pork sausages contained less meat than declared on the label. Additionally, the fat content of milk was incorrect in 1 out of 5 samples tested.
• The claimed levels of caffeine in supplements were inaccurate in 18% of the samples tested. For olive oil samples, 17% did not match the defined profile for olive oils, and extraneous leaf matter exceeded permitted levels in 5 out of 30 oregano samples. Furthermore, 10% of fresh raw chicken samples contained undeclared added water.
• Levels of nitrates and nitrites greater than permitted were found in 3 samples of UK produced bacon. Additionally, 3 minced meat samples did not meet the claimed fat content or required collagen-to-meat protein ratios.
• A low alcohol drink was found to contain higher alcohol levels than claimed, and a non-dairy protein snack did not meet the claim related to protein content.
• Non-compliant composition in these 51 samples means that consumers are not receiving the products they expect or potentially pay a premium for.

This report has also been added to the 'Authenticity Surveys' part (2nd tab) of FAN's Research section.

The survey also reports on food safety related analytes.