The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) is a criminal intelligence function within the FSA.
Who we are
The NFCU was established in 2015 as a result of recommendations made in the Elliot Review conducted following the horse meat incident in 2013. It is a dedicated law enforcement capability providing national leadership on food crime.
The main objectives of the NFCU are:
- to improve understanding of the food crime threat at a strategic level
- to identify specific instances of dishonesty within food supply chains and to instigate action by others capable of addressing it
The NFCU has a wider leadership role to play within the UK food crime response. It also plays an important role in multi-sector engagement at both national and international levels. It does this by giving ad-hoc advice and guidance to law enforcement partners.
The NFCU works with partners to protect consumers from serious criminal conduct that impacts on the safety or authenticity of the food and drink they consume.
Understanding the threat
The first Food Crime Strategic Assessment provides an overview of the scale and nature of the food crime threat to the UK food and drink industry.
Investigatory Powers Act 2016
The FSA and National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) have signed a Collaboration Agreement to allow for a single point of contact relating to the acquisition of communications data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.