Fraudsters target foodservice businesses

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is warning food business operators to be aware of fraudsters who are visiting premises claiming that they are from the association.

The fraudsters claim that they are there to carry out inspections and then extract substantial amounts of money as a fixed penalty fee for the premises being allegedly unhygienic.

The FSA does not carry out food inspections and there are no fixed penalties for food safety breaches. All inspections are carried out by local authority authorised inspectors who carry relevant identification when visiting a food business.

If your food business is visited by anyone claiming to be from the FSA you should not part with any money and should contact the local police or your local authority.

You can also report the crime by emailing foodfraud@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or report any known or suspected food fraud by telephoning the food fraud hotline 020 7276 8527.

Words: Clare Riley

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