Food fraud amid COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: A challenge of the present

Onyeaka, Helen; Kalane, Maureen Sindisiwe; Guta, Ashenafi Teshome; Tamasiga, Phemelo

doi:10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100234

Cited by 4 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Food safety practices are a significant concern for Nigerian consumers, as evidenced by a self-reported study conducted in Ilorin among 869 meat consumers where 40 percent of the respondents showed "knowledge and practice levels of food safety" (Odetokun et al, 2022). Unhealthy and unsafe meat consumption can lead to various health risks, including exposure to allergens, toxic chemicals, and microbial contamination, resulting in direct, indirect, short-term, or serious health consequences (Onyeaka et al, 2022). A recent incident in Kogi State exemplifies these risks, where the government banned meat consumption following the mysterious death of 20 cattle, some of which were discovered at the point of sale by health officials (Sahara Reporters, 2022).…”

Section: Impact Of Meat Fraud On Nigerian Consumersmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Nigerian meat industry: An overview of products’ market, fraud situations, and potential ways out

Adenuga,

Montowska

2023

Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment

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Meat is an integral part of the human diet worldwide and plays a central role in the world's culinary traditions. Meat serves as a vital source of essential nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. In Nigeria, it occupies a unique place in the social fabric of the nation and promotes unity and tradition. The meat industry in Nigeria encompasses a range of sources, with beef taking precedence, yet also including options like chicken, chevon, mutton, pork, and more. However, despite its importance, the industry faces multiple challenges, encompassing environmental, socio-economic, and governance issues. The Nigerian government has actively contributed to enhancing meat production through various policies, investments, and modernization efforts. Nevertheless, challenges such as disease outbreaks and inefficient value chains persist. Surprisingly, meat fraud and adulteration have received limited attention despite these issues significantly impacting consumer welfare, public health, and the economy. This article provides an overview of the Nigerian meat industry, explores specific cases of meat fraud, and discusses authentication methods used in neighboring African countries, offering insights for Nigerian researchers and the government.

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Section: Impact Of Meat Fraud On Nigerian Consumersmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Nigerian meat industry: An overview of products’ market, fraud situations, and potential ways out

Adenuga,

Montowska

2023

Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment

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“…One challenge of this approach is that some municipalities lack the financial resources and personnel necessary to effectively enforce all food regulations [18]. Consequently, many small and medium-sized domestic businesses operate without proper oversight, while larger businesses regulate themselves [7,12,19]. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (FCD Act) 54 of 1972 and the National Health Act (NHA) 61 of 2003 as amended, are overarching legislation that empowers EHPs to enforce most food control and safety laws in the country.…”

Section: Lenient Penalties For Food Safety Violations and Fraud In Samentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A key strategy to combat food fraud is proactive enforcement of food safety regulations by government authorities [13]. The risk of food fraud is further complicated by a dearth of government food safety laws, particularly in the informal sector [7]. The South African government, in particular, has been repeatedly criticized for its failure to adequately regulate and enforce food safety standards [12].…”

Section: Sa's Disproportionate Response To Food Safety Crisesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent high-profile food fraud cases worldwide, including in SA, have highlighted the vulnerabilities of global food control and safety systems and their enforcement mechanisms, raising concerns about their effectiveness [5][6][7][8][9]. SA's recent listeriosis outbreak and high-profile food fraud cases, including the discovery of a counterfeit food production hub in Gauteng Province and the deaths of children a ributed to the consumption of poisonous fake foods have been a cause of concern, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country's food control and safety system and its Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Unlocking Food Safety: A Comprehensive Review of South Africa's Food Control and Safety Landscape from an Environ-mental Health Perspective

Mphaga,

Moyo,

Rathebe

2023

Preprint

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Food fraud (often called fake food in South Africa), the deliberate misrepresentation or adulteration of food products for financial gain, is a growing problem in South Africa (SA) with severe public health and financial consequences for consumers and businesses. The recent public outcry against food fraud practices, especially in communities that have lost loved ones due to the consumption of allegedly unsafe foodstuffs, highlights the grave danger that food fraud poses to consumers and the potential for significant reputational damage to food manufacturers. Despite the risks, food fraud often goes undetected, as perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The precise magnitude of food fraud remains obscure, as incidents that do not cause consumer illnesses are frequently unreported and, as a result, are not investigated. Food fraud costs the global economy billion annually. This cost is borne by consumers, businesses, and the government. Food fraud can occur at any stage of the food supply chain, from production to processing to retailing or distribution. This is due in part to the limitations of current analytical methods, which are not always able to detect food fraud. This systematic literature review of food fraud in SA looks at several factors that may be contributing to epidemic of food fraud (fake food), including lenient penalties, inadequate government commitment, a complex labelling regulations, emerging threats such as e-commerce, and a shortage of inspectors and laboratories. The review recommends establishing a single food control/safety authority, developing more food safety laboratories, and adopting innovative technologies to detect and prevent food fraud. SA faces a serious food fraud crisis unless decisive action is taken.

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“…This shows the scale and extent of food fraud in the global food system during this critical period. Onyeaka et al (2022a ; 2022b) also highlighted that food smuggling, production of counterfeit alcohol products and artificial enhancement of fish and meat using formalin were frequently reported in Africa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%