Food crime - guidance for businesses
In order to help and support food businesses, the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have developed a business guidance package to educate, advise and train businesses and their staff to spot food fraud before it affects their business.
How to spot and prevent food crime – Food Standards Agency
Reporting a food crime - If you are a whistle blower or wish to report a food crime, please complete the report a food crime form. Alternatively, contact the National Food Crime Unit confidential hotline on 0800 028 1180. For non-UK mobiles or calls from overseas please use 020 7276 8787.
Your details will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party.
The hours between which the confidential hot line will be answered are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, please use the online service on this page to submit your report.
Report a food crime - Food Standards Agency
Food Complaints and other issues not related to Food Crime
If your report or complaint relates to any of the issues listed in the following table, we ask that you please refer to the links provided or other agencies listed in the table for advice.
| Type of issue | Where to seek advice |
|---|---|
| Food delivery | The food business owner and Citizen's Advice Bureau |
| Food hygiene ratings | Food hygiene rating scheme for businesses |
| Hygiene issues (including hygiene of kitchen and processes followed by staff) | Food Complaints |
| Labelling and allergen issues | Food Complaints |
| Objects found in food | Food Complaints |
| Out of date food products (including mouldy food) | Food Complaints |
| Poor service | The food business owner. |