The Escalation of Food Fraud and Its Catastrophic Effects within Communities.

THE HEALTH EVANGELIST: EMPOWERING HEALTH AND BRIDGING HEALTH GAPS Volume, Issue 2

Retro: In our previous issues, we highlighted the growing concerns surrounding the use of Unprescribed Drugs and the alarming spread of Illicit Medicines within our communities. A disturbing trend emerges as we dig deeper into these challenges: the rise of clandestine and adulterated consumable goods also known as Food Fraud. Have you come across videos of people making branded soft drinks in their homes and backyards? It's a shocking example of how high demand for popular products can lead to illicit and unsafe manufacturing practices. In this last issue of Volume 1, we will explore how poor quality control and regulatory lapses have fueled the proliferation of these dangerous goods.

Clandestine Production: A Growing Threat to Public Health

I recently came across videos showing people making well-known branded carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and "sachet or bottled water" in their homes. The conditions were appalling—from the questionable water used in the process to the unhygienic containers and the general lack of sanitation in the preparation area.

Although this happens in communities of different economic statuses, it is a thing of greater concern in communities of Sub-Saharan Africa with poorly structured healthcare systems amidst other challenges. In many of these communities, water shortages are a persistent issue, making these clandestine businesses cut corners and disregard the essence of clean water and sanitary production conditions. The result? A flood of adulterated products on the market, posing severe risks to public health. These illicit goods often bypass safety checks and quality standards, making them a silent yet deadly threat to consumers.

What has fueled the flooding of fake food within communities?

Food fraud or fake food production is the intentional misrepresentation of food products for financial gain. Studies and other articles have shown that it has been a rising issue within communities caused by

• Increase food insecurities, due to poor harvest and increase in population
• Increase in demand for organic and premium labeled foods.
• Economic downturns, which have pushed people into a survival mood either by selling to gain or by consuming to live.
• Lack of consumer awareness on detection of fake food or the consequences of consuming fake foods.
• Weak regulations on trade and lack of accountability, fueled by corrupt policies

Consequences: A Surge in Non-Communicable Diseases and Economic Impacts

Food fraud is dangerous because the production process usually utilizes undisclosed and harmful ingredients which have extensive consequences on public health. Consuming these poor-quality products can lead to a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as kidney and liver diseases, as well as other chronic conditions that significantly increase morbidity and mortality rates.

The contamination and lack of proper formulation in these products often mean that consumers are exposed to harmful substances, which can have long-term health implications. As NCDs continue to rise in our communities, the burden on healthcare systems becomes even more severe, affecting individuals and families, and ultimately hindering the socio-economic development of our nations.

Furthermore, according to the FDA, food fraud can cost the global economy up to 15 billion dollars. This may be an underestimate because most food frauds go undetected. It may further lead to a lack of trust in branded products and threaten the existence of these legit companies.

Who Should We Hold Accountable?

Accountability for these clandestine operations does not rest on a single entity; it spans across international, national, and local levels:

• International Bodies: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and international trade bodies are responsible for monitoring and regulating the global trade of consumable goods.
• National Governments: National regulatory bodies and governments are responsible for enforcing strict quality control measures and ensuring that all consumable goods meet safety standards. Unfortunately, in many countries, regulatory enforcement is lax, and corruption allows these illicit businesses to thrive.
• Local Authorities: At the community level, local authorities and health inspectors must be vigilant. They should conduct regular inspections of markets and production sites to weed out these illegal operations. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate consumers about the risks associated with buying unverified products.
• Manufacturers and Distributors: Legitimate companies must take responsibility for protecting their brands by ensuring their products are not easily counterfeited. This can include investing in better packaging technologies and tracking systems to ensure product authenticity.
• Individuals: We all must care for our communities and uphold moral standards as we endeavor to engage in trade.

What Can We Do to remedy food fraud?

Addressing the rise of adulterated consumable goods requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: International entities and Governments must enhance stricter standards and close loopholes that allow substandard products to enter the market. This includes stricter penalties for violations and improved training for inspectors.
2. Improve Public Awareness: Educating consumers about the dangers of unregulated goods is crucial. Public health campaigns can help people make safer choices and demand higher standards from sellers.
3. Encourage Reporting: Communities should be empowered to report suspicious products and operations. Setting up hotlines or digital platforms for anonymous tips can help authorities take swift action.
4. Promote Safe Practices: Support local businesses that adhere to high hygiene and safety standards. By promoting these businesses, we can create a market environment that rewards quality over quantity.
5. Investing in Food and Agriculture: Investing in the food and agriculture sector to increase food supply and combat food insecurities-which can birth some of these unsafe practices.
6. International Collaboration: Greater collaboration between countries can help track and curb the cross-border movement of low-quality goods. International agreements and partnerships can play a key role in harmonizing standards and enforcement.
7. Protect Sub-Saharan Africa from Substandard Testing: Sub-Saharan Africa, and other vulnerable regions, should not be used as testing grounds for international substandard products. These areas must be protected from being exploited by unscrupulous companies looking to bypass stringent regulations elsewhere. This recommendation is not just a plea for fairness but a necessary stance against practices that put millions at risk.

By taking these steps, we can start to dismantle the networks of clandestine production and protect the health of our communities. Let us commit to holding those in power accountable and ensuring that every product on our shelves meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

Have you experienced food fraud within your community? What are some of the products that one can look out for?

This gives birth to the next volume of our Newsletter which would focus on Kidney disease as one of the rising NCDs within our communities. Please Subscribe, comment, like, and share and also be an Evangelist of Health.