The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) have published a survey of 1025 samples purchased at retail in the 2nd half of 2023. Samples were targeted on a risk-basis, and the survey included authenticity testing of some samples.
The survey found:
- There was a considerable increase in compliance for olive oil year on year 75% in 2022/23 to 87% (26 out of 30) 2023/24
- Food authenticity rates for samples tested were 97% compliant for the areas of authenticity tested
- There are no overall geographical hotspots for non-compliance
From the small number of samples tested, two potentially widespread authenticity issues were flagged which will be used to inform future enforcement priorities.
- 40% (16 out of 40) of frozen raw chicken was non-compliant due to undeclared, or excess, added water and labelling issues
- 42% (10 out of 24) of frozen beef burgers were non-compliant, with eight samples having less meat content than declared, and 4 samples containing higher fat levels than stated.
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