The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) includes the investigations and intelligence gathering arms of Food Standards Scotland (FSS) who focus on tackling food crime and maintaining consumer protection.
Their remit in relation to food, drink and animal feed, is to prevent, investigate and disrupt;
- serious and/or complex fraudulent conduct, and
- serious and/or regulatory non-compliance involving dishonesty
- in relation to the Scottish food and drink industry.
Conduct is considered serious in this context where it is likely to result in:
- significant risks to public safety
- substantial gain to the offender or loss to consumers
- pan-regional or transnational offending, or
- significant public concern.
The Unit has a dedicated Intelligence Office which analyses, develops and actions information received from members of the public, food business operators and industry whistle-blowers.
The Investigations team investigate instances of food crime. They may also support Local Authorities with enquiries into serious breaches of food safety and assist with complex and protracted investigations.
About the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit
Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA)
The IPA has invested powers to Food Standards Scotland to acquire communications data, in respect of its criminal investigations.
As part of this process, FSS has entered into a collaboration agreement with the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN).
