It is well known that illicit drugs such as marijuana are often mixed with cheaper and more dangerous substances. But organized crime doesn’t end with food. Between July 2019 and November 2021, authorities received 1,885 spice samples across Europe. The results reported by the “SonntagsZeitung” were deplorable: 48 percent of the thyme samples contained questionable ingredients. It was 17 percent in pepper and 14 percent in cumin.
The trick: According to EU officials, spices are particularly susceptible to fraud due to the long and complex supply chain. Goods often go through many hands before they reach stores. The risk of manipulation is accordingly high.
One example from the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine (BLV) is particularly striking: the results of capsicum powder being reviewed by the federal government. Too much ash was measured in a suspect pepper sample, BLV told the newspaper. This indicates the mixture of “filling material”. The official lists powder and plaster as the usual filling material.
Parliament and the federal government become active
Chili powder with powder and plaster? This cannot be healthy. However, the penalties for such offenses in Switzerland are relatively light. Fraudsters face a maximum fine of 80,000 CHF. Given the high profits – food fraud is a billion dollar business, this penalty is probably not a deterrent.
The Swiss parliament has also agreed to this and is asking for additional measures against food fraud. As a second chamber, the State Council passed three motions from the National Council last week without objection. Bids were submitted by Mike Egger (SVP/SG), Martina Munz (SP/SH) and Sophie Michaud Gigon (Greens/VD). The proposals concerned, among other things, the creation of an expert commission, new legal foundations and a better exchange of information between the authorities.
The National Council had already approved the proposals in 2021. The Federal Council approved the order. Commenting on one of the proposals, he acknowledges the shortcomings: “Food fraud is on the rise and is not best tackled at the moment.” (no)