FOOD INTEGRITY THROUGH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTROL

Florentina Simona Barbu, Patrick-Norbert Macavei, Anamaria Popescu, Dumitru Condrat, Anca Mihaela Dicu

Abstract


One of the major issues facing the food sector is food fraud, which affects consumer safety, the integrity of the food supply chain, and trust in production and marketing systems, generating health risks, economic losses, and decreased confidence in the food market. In this context, meat and meat products are among the most exposed to food fraud due to their high economic value and the difficulty of visual verification. Common practices include substitution with cheaper species, the use of leftovers, and additives that alter weight or appearance. False labeling regarding origin, quality, and expiration date can mislead consumers. Combating this phenomenon requires appropriate legislation, effective controls, transparency, and food education, involving authorities, producers and consumers.

Keywords


food fraud; consumer safety; meat products; legislation; food integrity

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References


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