Working Party on Food Authenticity

This working group advised on measures to prevent misdescription and adulteration. Its work is now carried out by the Additives and Authenticity Methodology Working Group, and the Authenticity Surveillance Sub-group.

Terms of Reference and membership

To provide advice and information on all aspects of food authenticity, particularly those of concern to consumers, with specific reference to:

(a) identifying and prioritising current and emerging food authenticity issues;

(b) assessing methods of analysis to be used to detect adulteration and misdescription, and comment on their applicability to specific issues and advising generally on the significance of survey results;

(c) understanding consumer concerns, attitudes and perceptions towards food authenticity;

(d) advising and monitoring of the Food Authenticity programme taking into account the views of all stakeholders and their specific concern. In addition, to raise awareness of the programme and its work with all relevant stakeholders.

(e) promoting information and technology transfer by encouraging enforcement authorities and industry to apply existing and new techniques, as appropriate, to ensure product authenticity.

Members' background
11 Government officials (including Chair)
2 academics
4 industry
2 enforcement
4 consumers

Secretariat

Food Standards Agency