Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to launch the Scottish Food Crime Hotline.
The freephone number is a dedicated line for members of the public and industry to anonymously report any suspicions of food crime – defined as any deliberate manipulation, substitution, mislabelling or instance of fraud in relation to food.
Operating 24 hours a day, the initiative is expected to allow the FSS’s Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) to gather intelligence to target those involved in criminal activities.
FSS chief Geoff Ogle said the launch of the new hotline is one of “a number of steps” the organisation is taking to address food crime.
“We hope it will raise awareness of the issue of food crime,” said Ogle.
