Introduction

In an increasingly complex and globalized food supply chain, the threat of food fraud poses significant risks to public health, consumer trust, and brand integrity. From economically motivated adulteration to mislabeling and counterfeiting, the sophisticated nature of these illicit activities demands proactive strategies and robust verification mechanisms. This essential training course focuses on Food Fraud Prevention and Authenticity Audit, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to design, implement, and rigorously audit comprehensive programs aimed at detecting, deterring, and mitigating food fraud across the entire value chain. You will learn to identify vulnerabilities in your supply network, apply forensic techniques to assess product authenticity, and ensure that your organization maintains the highest standards of food safety and consumer confidence.

This intensive training course delves into the diverse typologies of food fraud, including dilution, substitution, mislabeling, unapproved enhancements, and grey market diversion. We will explore key international guidelines and industry best practices for food fraud vulnerability assessment (VAC) and mitigation, such as those from GFSI-recognized standards. Participants will gain hands-on experience in developing a robust food fraud prevention plan, implementing authenticity testing protocols, and conducting forensic audits to trace fraudulent activities back to their source. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to strategically enhance your organization's defenses against food fraud, protecting consumers, preserving brand value, and ensuring unwavering product integrity in the marketplace.

Target Audience

• Food Safety & Quality Managers
• Supply Chain & Procurement Professionals (Food Industry)
• Internal & External Auditors (Food Sector)
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals (Food & Beverage)
• Product Development Specialists
• Risk Management Professionals
• Compliance Officers (Food Industry)
• Brand Protection Specialists

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of food fraud and its various typologies.
• Learn about the economic, health, and reputational impacts of food fraud.
• Master methodologies for conducting a food fraud vulnerability assessment (VAC).
• Develop skills in designing and implementing a comprehensive food fraud prevention plan.
• Understand the role of authenticity testing and analytical methods in detection.
• Learn about techniques for ensuring supply chain traceability to prevent fraud.
• Explore best practices for auditing food fraud prevention controls.
• Master techniques for investigating suspected food fraud incidents.
• Understand the legal and regulatory frameworks for food authenticity and labeling.
• Learn about strategies for fostering a culture of integrity and transparency in the food industry.
• Apply practical Food Fraud Prevention and Authenticity Audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Food Fraud & Its Typologies

• Defining food fraud and distinguishing it from food safety and quality issues.
• Exploring the various types of food fraud (e.g., adulteration, substitution, mislabeling, counterfeiting).
• Understanding the motivations behind food fraud and its global prevalence.
• Overview of the economic, public health, and reputational impacts.
• The imperative for proactive food fraud prevention.

Module 2: Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment (VAC)

• Learning methodologies for conducting a comprehensive food fraud vulnerability assessment (VAC).
• Identifying raw materials, ingredients, and products most susceptible to fraud.
• Understanding supply chain vulnerabilities and fraud opportunities.
• Assessing internal and external factors contributing to fraud risk.
• Developing a risk matrix for food fraud prioritization.

Module 3: Designing a Food Fraud Prevention Plan

• Mastering the essential elements of a robust food fraud prevention plan.
• Developing mitigation strategies for identified vulnerabilities.
• Implementing control measures at critical points in the supply chain.
• Ensuring management commitment and adequate resources for fraud prevention.
• Integrating food fraud prevention into existing food safety management systems.

Module 4: Authenticity Testing & Analytical Methods

• Understanding the role of authenticity testing in detecting food fraud.
• Learning about various analytical techniques (e.g., DNA barcoding, spectroscopy, chromatography).
• Interpreting authenticity test results and their implications.
• Strategies for establishing a robust sampling and testing program.
• Collaborating with accredited laboratories for verification.

Module 5: Supply Chain Traceability & Due Diligence

• Mastering techniques for enhancing supply chain traceability to prevent fraud.
• Implementing robust supplier approval and monitoring programs.
• Understanding the importance of due diligence on all supply chain partners.
• Utilizing technology (e.g., blockchain) to improve transparency and traceability.
• Auditing the integrity of inbound materials and their origin.

Module 6: Auditing Food Fraud Prevention Controls

• Learning how to conduct a comprehensive food fraud prevention audit.
• Developing a risk-based audit plan for assessing food authenticity controls.
• Techniques for auditing documentation, records, and traceability systems.
• Assessing the effectiveness of internal controls related to purchasing, receiving, and production.
• Evaluating employee awareness and training on food fraud.

Module 7: Incident Response, Legal & Continuous Improvement

• Strategies for investigating suspected food fraud incidents.
• Understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks related to food authenticity and labeling.
• Learning about reporting requirements for food fraud (internal and external).
• Developing a corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) plan for fraud issues.
• Fostering a culture of integrity and continuous improvement in food fraud prevention.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.