Review of ISO Food Fraud Terms & Definitions: Proposed Adapted Definition & Industry Insights

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Food fraud is a growing concern for the food industry, regulators, and consumers. As fraudulent activities become more sophisticated, clear definitions and prevention strategies are essential. Our recent ISO review examines key terminology and standards, helping businesses strengthen food fraud prevention and align with international food safety requirements.

Here is the link to our new Food Fraud Insight Report (FFIR) on Review of ISO Terms and Definitions Related to Food Fraud, Food Defense or Food Defence, Food Protection, and Food Integrity with Proposed Adapted Definitions (Working Paper): https://foodfraudpreventionthinktank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FFIR-Food-defense-protection-fraud-integrity-ISO-terms-plus-authentic-notes-v28-Working-Paper-Final.pdf

Why Prevention is Key to Food Fraud Management

The food industry faces a choice: detect fraud after it happens or prevent it from occurring. Our report highlights that proactive prevention is the most cost-effective and efficient strategy. Instead of relying solely on testing and enforcement, companies should implement risk-based prevention strategies. By aligning with ISO-related food fraud prevention measures, businesses can reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, improve regulatory compliance, and safeguard both their brand and consumers.

Key Findings from our Food Fraud Insight Report (FFIR)

“This paper presents a comprehensive review of the International Standards Organization (ISO) definitions related to food fraud, food defense or food defence, food protection, and food integrity. It explores the existing terms in ISO standards and offers adapted definitions based on these frameworks. Terms like ‘food fraud’ are not defined but have been well-established in ISO standards. On the other hand, the definitions of ‘food defense,’ ‘food protection,’ and ‘food integrity’ have not been defined and have been less clearly established.”

“The adapted definition of ‘food fraud’ closely aligns with previously established definitions. This research highlights that the existing definitions for ‘food defense’ and ‘food protection’ fall short of industry practices. This research suggests that future ISO definitions should reflect current industry applications. Furthermore, the study discusses the need for a more precise ISO definition of ‘food integrity,’ offering two potential interpretations – one focusing narrowly on the food product and another encompassing broader organizational responsibility.”

“The research concludes that while ISO-derived definitions can serve as an international, consensus-based foundation, it is most efficient for them to be refined to match the evolving needs of the food safety and protection sectors. This report proposed a set of adapted definitions.”

What is the ISO-Recommended Definition of Food Fraud?

The term food fraud has been derived from existing standards such as product fraud under ISO guidelines. The core ISO-defined terms are:

• Food (ISO 22000:2018/2023): “substance (ingredient), whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is intended for consumption, and includes drink, chewing gum and any substance which has been used in the manufacture, preparation or treatment of “food” but does not include cosmetics or tobacco or substances (ingredients) used only as drugs.”
• Fraud (ISO 22300:2012): “means wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain that creates social or economic harm.” (from “Note 1” to Product Fraud Entry)
• Product Fraud (ISO 22300:2012): “wrongful or criminal deception that utilizes material goods for financial or personal gain.”

The report provides three potential definitions:

• ISO Adapted Definition (that combines “food,” “fraud,” and “product fraud”) – Wrongful or criminal deception using food for financial or personal gain [countermeasures are ‘food fraud prevention’].
• GFSI Definition – “A collective term encompassing the deliberate and intentional substitution, addition, tampering or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients, feed, food packaging or labeling, product information or false or misleading statement made about a product for economic gain that could impact consumer health.” (GFSI version 2020)
• Scholarly Definition – “Intentional deception for economic benefit using food.”

These definitions emphasize that food fraud includes adulterant-substances, mislabeling, counterfeit products, and deceptive marketing practices. Since ISO does not yet have a formal definition for food fraud, aligning with established industry standards like GFSI helps ensure clarity and consistency in compliance programs.

How ISO Food Fraud Standards Impact Businesses

With increased food fraud vulnerability and regulatory scrutiny, businesses that fail to implement food fraud prevention measures face potential recalls, financial losses, and reputational damage. The ISO evolving standards will likely influence:

• Regulatory Compliance – Governments and certification bodies increasingly reference ISO standards in food safety regulations.
• Global Supply Chain Integrity – Ensuring traceability and authenticity helps prevent fraud across international food trade.
• Consumer Confidence – Transparent labeling and quality assurance build trust and brand loyalty.

By adopting ISO food fraud prevention guidelines, companies can proactively mitigate risks and strengthen their food safety management systems.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and preventing food fraud is crucial for businesses, regulators, and consumers. Fraudulent practices not only impact public health but also damage brand reputation and consumer trust. This ISO review provides a roadmap for companies to enhance their food fraud prevention measures, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and maintaining the integrity of the global food supply chain.

By staying ahead of evolving ISO standards and adopting proactive food fraud prevention strategies, businesses can build stronger, safer food systems that benefit both the industry and consumers worldwide.

• Use ISO definitions to ensure compliance – Aligning with ISO definitions simplifies regulatory approval, auditing, and risk management.
• Food fraud prevention strategies are evolving – While definitions adapt over time, ISO’s approach to food fraud is becoming more standardized across industries.