| Abstract: |
Experts from Northern Ireland’s Institute for Global Food Security have called for rapid screening techniques to detect and help prevent food fraud in the herb and spice industry. Writing in the journal Food Control, Pamela Galvin-King, Dr Simon Haughey and Professor Chris Elliott said global supply of herbs and spices is not expected to keep up with future demand, leading to a rise in prices and an increased threat in fraud and adulteration of the products. Saffron, oregano, vanilla, turmeric and paprika are particular targets for adulteration, the paper noted, while the addition of adulterant colour to spices to improve their value is a common occurrence and can pose a public health threat.“There is an increasing need to combat the rising threat of food fraud,” especially in the herb and spices industry, which is “under constant threat ”, the authors said. They emphasised the public health threat and impact on industry, economy and consumer trust.“There is an increasing concern over the introduction of hazards from food fraud. |
