New Powers for Food Crime Officers: What You Need to Know

In a move to strengthen the fight against food-related crimes, the UK government has introduced two key pieces of legislation, effective in 2025, aimed at empowering food crime officers with greater investigatory powers. These regulations are designed to ensure the integrity and safety of the food supply chain, a matter of growing public concern.

Key Legislation Overview

1. Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 & Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (Application to Food Crime Officers) Regulations 2025 (PACE Regulations):
These regulations extend certain police powers—such as entry, search, and seizure—to food crime officers within the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). While these officers won't have the power to arrest, they can now operate more independently to tackle serious food fraud, such as misrepresentation or the use of stolen food.

2. Food Crime Officers (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2025 (IOPC Regulations):
This regulation ensures that complaints against food crime officers' use of their new powers are handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This oversight is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that powers are used appropriately.

Why Change the Law?

The NFCU, part of the FSA, was set up following the 2013 horsemeat scandal to prevent and investigate food fraud. However, its officers previously lacked sufficient power to conduct thorough investigations independently, often relying on police resources. This dependency led to delays, undermining the effectiveness of investigations and potentially allowing food crimes to go unpunished.

Consultation and Support

Public consultations in 2022 and 2023 showed strong support for the empowerment of food crime officers. Respondents—from local authorities to food businesses—agreed that giving these officers more authority would not only enhance the FSA's ability to combat food crimes but also relieve pressure on law enforcement partners.

Impact and Implementation

The new regulations are not expected to significantly impact businesses, charities, or the public sector beyond initial training for FSA officers. Importantly, these changes focus on improving the speed and efficacy of food crime investigations, ultimately protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the food supply chain.

Monitoring and Future Review

The Food Standards Agency will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of these new powers as part of its regular operations, ensuring that the regulations achieve their intended outcomes without imposing unnecessary burdens on businesses.

In summary, these legislative changes mark a significant step forward in the UK's efforts to safeguard the food industry from fraud and criminal activities. By equipping food crime officers with vital investigatory powers, the government aims to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of food safety and integrity.