The European Commission is seeking tougher financial penalties for those who commit food fraud. According to EU health commissioner Tonio Borg, the sanctions for those convicted of fraud should reflect the economic gains made as a result of the fraudulent activity. Borg's comments came as he presented a package of measures to modernize the EU's agri-food supply chain. The package set forward by the health commissioner contains proposals to simplify EU food chain legislation from 70 pieces down to five, as well as proposals on plant and animal health. Borg's proposals will need to be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council, with the the package set to come into effect in 2016.
According to the health commissioner, "Restoring the trust and confidence of our citizens and trading partners is key given that the agree-food industry is the second largest economic sector in the EU, employing over 48 million people and worth some €750bn (£631bn) a year."
