The UK’s National Food Crime Unit has said businesses should be extra alert to fraud over the festive season.
It offers to work directly with businesses, but says first they should apply a self-assessment tool.
Steve Smith, Head of Outreach and Prevention at the National Food Crime Unit said, “Food crime costs UK businesses £11.6 billion each year and some may never recover from the financial loss. With Christmas upon us, businesses are busy concentrating on trading which is often when they are at their most vulnerable.
“Businesses have faced up to a myriad of extraordinary challenges in the last two years and continue to do so, and, now more than ever, we are encouraging businesses to use the quick and effective tool so we can start a conversation with them about their individual business needs.
“Our aim is to make sure no one gets caught out by food crime, meaning businesses can focus on what really matters to them and their customers at such a busy time.”
He says fraud can occur at any point in the supply chain, urging businesses to contact the unit via email.
