The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) includes the investigations and intelligence gathering arms FSS. They focus on tackling food crime and maintaining consumer protection in relation to the Scottish food and drink industry. This includes
- serious and/or complex fraudulent conduct, and
- serious and/or regulatory non-compliance involving dishonesty
Conduct is considered serious in this context where it is likely to result in:
- significant risks to public safety
- substantial gain to the offender or loss to consumers
- pan-regional or transnational offending, or
- significant public concern
The Unit has a dedicated intelligence office which analyses, develops and actions information received from members of the public, food business operators and industry whistle-blowers.
The investigations team investigate instances of food crime. They may also support local authorities with enquiries into serious breaches of food safety and assist with complex and protracted investigations.