116 pages
Published: 30 Nov 2021
Publication Code: 21-039
Author(s): Dr Michael Smith, Mahmud Ashraf, Chris Austin, Rebecca Lester
ISBN: 978-1-76053-169-0
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Food fraud and product fraud are estimated to cost Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries between $2-3 billion each year, while also threatening Australia’s reputation for producing trusted, high-quality food and fibre products.
This AgriFutures Australia research report found that industries including beef and veal, wine, seafood, honey and other premium products are particularly vulnerable to food fraud. Common forms of product fraud include mislabelling, substitution, adulteration and counterfeiting, where consumers are misled about the origin, quality or contents of a product.
Detecting food fraud relies on two main approaches:
Targeted testing: Looks for known forms of food fraud, such as undeclared ingredients, product substitution or incorrect labelling. It is generally faster and more straightforward but can only detect issues that are already known.
Non-targeted testing: Compares a product against the profile of an authentic product to identify anything unusual. This approach can help uncover new or unexpected forms of product fraud and is becoming increasingly important as global supply chains become more complex.
New technologies are helping make food authentication faster, more affordable and more accessible. These include advanced DNA testing, portable testing devices that can be used outside the laboratory, and methods that can identify potential food fraud without opening the packaging.
Food traceability is the ability to track a product through every stage of production, processing and distribution, from its origin to the end consumer. Effective traceability systems help businesses verify product origins, monitor supply chains and respond more quickly when issues arise.
The report identifies traceability as an important tool for reducing food fraud and product fraud, improving transparency and strengthening consumer trust. Technologies such as QR codes, digital tracking systems and product verification tools can help improve supply chain integrity, although product testing remains the most reliable way to confirm authenticity.
As food supply chains become more complex and globally connected, stronger traceability systems will play an increasingly important role in protecting Australia’s food and fibre industries and maintaining trust in Australian products.
AgriFutures Australia is one of Australia’s 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), investing in research and innovation to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries. This report was commissioned through AgriFutures Australia’s National Rural Issues Program, which supports research into emerging challenges and opportunities affecting multiple rural industries. The program focuses on horizon-scanning and evidence-based research to help industry, government and decision-makers respond to issues with broad implications for rural Australia, including food fraud, supply chain integrity and product authentication.
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