May 22nd, 2025
3 mins
New powers have come into effect that equip the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) in England and Wales with specific investigatory powers under The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
From May 1st, nearly a decade after the NFCU was set up, new powers under PACE will enable NFCU investigators to apply for and execute search warrants, with the appropriate safeguards. This will help to protect consumers and businesses from food fraud more effectively.
The NFCU was set up following the Elliot Review, in the wake of the horse meat crisis of 2013. Since then the Unit has grown with the aim of preventing food fraud and supporting businesses to meet their responsibilities to make and sell safe food.
Over the past decade, the NFCU has worked with partner organisations such as the Police and Local Authorities (LAs) fighting food fraud, prosecuting and deterring offenders.
These new powers are a vital tool to ensure that NFCU investigations can be progressed more directly and effectively. NFCU investigators will be able to apply for and execute search warrants, increasing their ability to respond quickly to intelligence and to continue to ensure that swift action is taken to tackle food fraud.
If you suspect food fraud, report it to Food Crime Confidential here or phone 0800 028 1180 (0207 276 8787 for non-UK mobiles and calls).
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