Food safety powers must have teeth

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/05/food-safety-powers-must-have-teeth

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The introduction of a food crime unit, recommended by Professor Chris Elliott in his report, is to be welcomed (Food scandals: protection money, Editorial, 5 September), as is the government’s new found commitment to fighting food crime. Hopefully the government’s aim to shrink the state and encourage self-regulation will not cause the new FCU to flounder. Our recent research demonstrates that food crime in the meat sector is serious and organised, but the supply-chain dynamics mean that the organisers are those who have legitimate access to the markets in order to place adulterated products. These offenders do not conform to our usual stereotypes of organised criminals, as many have a legitimate role in the supply chain/marketplace.

It is not until we have a much more sophisticated understanding of the dynamics of food adulteration and contamination and market/supply chain dynamics that it will be possible to ensure food safety. This can only be enhanced by an FCU that has both investigative teeth and powers of prosecution, otherwise it will go the same way as many specific crime-focused agencies have in the past; as a an extension to the “empire” of whatever the national agency is that is responsible for tackling organised crime.Jon Spencer Senior lecturer in criminal justice, Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of Law, University of Manchester, Professor Roy Goodacre Professor of biological chemistry, School of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Dr David Ellis Senior experimental officer, School of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester

• The battle to offer lower prices to shoppers is incentivising sharp practices in the food industry, and the key recommendation of an independent inquiry is for a new food crime unit “to fight criminals cashing in on supermarkets’ determination to minimise the prices they pay to suppliers” (Growing threat of new food scandal, 5 September). No mention of the disastrous race to the bottom in the food and farming sector caused by the consumerist fantasy of ever-reducing food prices. It almost makes you nostalgic for New Labour. Tough on crime, and tough on the causes of crime.Chris SmajeFrome, Somerset

• The horsemeat scandal is finally moving towards some kind of finishing line with the publication of the Elliott report. There are signs that the government will take up its main recommendations, which is welcome. There is also hope that adequately resourced initiatives might go some way to restoring some public confidence in our food supply. But strengthening the systems against food adulteration fails to address an underlying problem – even perhaps an indirect cause – of the scandal: the progressive alienation of shoppers from food producers. Our food shopping is increasingly devoid of human contact. We don’t encounter the people who produce the food we eat. We rely on brands and labels. The supply chain is opaque. To engage shoppers we really need to promote local food bought from markets, farm shops and independent outlets, which come mostly from short and simple supply chains. The human connection between shoppers, shopkeepers and producers builds trust in the product, while feedback and human relationships support quality, as well as a better understanding of where and how food is produced.

Professor Elliott rightly recognises the “enormous importance” of shorter supply chains and the sourcing of locally produced foods. There is, therefore, no better time for all political parties to promote the diversification of food retail and shorten and simplify food supply to deliver the deeper changes that are needed.Graeme WillisSenior rural policy campaigner, Campaign to Protect Rural England

• The government’s plans for a food crime unit and new laboratories to combat future food scares is merely papering over the cracks of a broken system. The reforms seek only to catch abuse in our supply chains once the damage has been done and there are still no controls in place to ensure supply chain managers are professional, licensed and competent.

When we surveyed supply chain professionals earlier this year, 51% said the horsemeat scandal has not led to supply chain risk being taken more seriously and only 21% of supply chain professionals could guarantee there was no malpractice in their supply chains. We must empower supply chain managers within their own organisations if we are to make real progress.

We already ask our members to self-regulate as we call for a licence for procurement and supply management professionals. Without it, we are going to see a re-run of supply chain mismanagement with devastating consequences.David NobleGroup CEO, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply