Business

Food Fraud Persists Despite Advances in Technology

Detecting counterfeit food products remains a challenge, despite advancements in technology.

The prevalence of food crime is largely unknown due to underreporting, making it challenging to determine its true extent.

Rows of jam jars containing honey. The labels are handwritten by scientists testing the honey. — Honey is a common target for food fraudsters

This type of crime can involve a range of activities, including the adulteration of ingredients, falsification of documents, and unauthorized processing methods.

According to a 2025 estimate, the global economy loses approximately £81bn ($110bn) annually due to food crime.

Fraudsters often target widely consumed products, such as dairy, as well as high-value items like olive oil, to maximize their gains.

Along with alcohol, seafood, and edible oils, honey is one of the most frequently counterfeited foods, often being replaced with alternative substances.

Plant-based syrups, such as those derived from sugar cane, can be significantly cheaper than genuine honey, making them an attractive option for fraudsters.

Dr Juraj Majtán, who oversees a laboratory focused on bee research at the Institute of Molecular Biology, part of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, and maintains five beehives, has extensive knowledge of the complex biology of honey.

Honey's intricate composition, comprising hundreds of compounds and diverse types, makes it difficult to identify its origin and authenticity.

As a result, it is often hard to verify whether the honey in a particular jar is genuine or has been mixed with syrups derived from other sources, such as rice or wheat.

The lack of a universally accepted definition of honey further complicates efforts to detect counterfeit products.

While some fake honey may have a distinct appearance or taste, sophisticated counterfeiters can create products that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, even to chemical analysis.

Various methods are employed to test for counterfeit honey, including the analysis of chemical bonds and isotopes.

These methods can help determine the origin and authenticity of a honey sample by comparing it to known genuine samples.

However, Dr Majtán notes that currently, no single method can definitively identify counterfeit honey, highlighting the need for new and more effective testing methods.

The primary victims of honey counterfeiting are beekeepers, who suffer financially as a result of the fraudulent activities.

Wearing a blue jacket and blue shirt, Dr Juraj Majtán stands in front of four beehives. — New methods are needed to spot fake honey says Dr Juraj Majtán

Food crimes, including counterfeiting, can also pose health risks to consumers due to the potential presence of allergens or toxic substances.

In 2008, a scandal involving melamine-tainted infant formula in China resulted in the deaths of at least six babies, prompting widespread concern and outrage.

Dr Selvarani Elahi, the UK's deputy government chemist, was particularly disturbed by the fact that fraudsters had targeted vulnerable infants.

The severity of the incident led to the execution of two individuals involved in the contamination.

Despite the severe consequences, Elahi notes that the risk of punishment does not appear to deter food fraudsters.

With extensive experience in food standards, Elahi remains vigilant and committed to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Elahi's work includes collaborating with the UK government and developing DNA-based methods to identify foods containing permitted insect species.

The potential for fraudsters to pass off unapproved insect species as approved ones poses a significant risk to consumer safety.

One possible consequence of such fraud is the triggering of allergic reactions in individuals with shellfish allergies, due to the presence of similar allergenic proteins.

The problem of tainted spices, such as paprika, is a persistent global issue, with fraudsters often adding industrial dyes to enhance color or bulk.

Wearing a black top Dr Selvarani Elahi, smiles and looks into the camera. — Even the risk of hurting children does not stop fraudsters says Dr Selvarani Elahi

The use of lead chromate in cinnamon is particularly notorious, as it can result in bright colors and increased profits.

In 2023, hundreds of children in the US were poisoned by lead-tainted cinnamon that had been used in applesauce.

According to Elahi, the technology to detect industrial dyes in spices is robust, but the issue lies in the inconsistent surveillance and enforcement by regulatory agencies.

The lack of resources and effective monitoring enables fraudsters to continue their activities with relative impunity.

Dr Karen Everstine, technical director of food safety solutions at FoodChain ID, emphasizes the importance of a well-functioning public health system in supporting food safety and detecting anomalies.

Everstine's work involves advising food-sector clients on food safety and detecting potential fraud.

FoodChain ID has observed instances of species substitution, where one species is swapped for another.

In 2025, the company noted an increase in labelling fraud, including misleading claims about olive oil and organic products.

Everstine is concerned about the potential for fraud in the trendy superfood and supplement markets, where false claims can spread quickly through social media.

The most advanced traceability solutions, including QR codes and microchips, are only effective if consumers actively use them to verify the authenticity of products.

Someone inspects a bottle of olive oil in front of supermarket shelves containing multiple brands of olive oil. — A common fraud is labeling regular olive oil as extra-virgin

Furthermore, these solutions may be too expensive for widespread implementation, limiting their potential impact.

Elahi notes that blockchain technology, once seen as a potential solution to food industry problems, has not lived up to its promise.

The complexity of global supply chains, particularly for products with multiple ingredients, makes it challenging to implement and interpret blockchain-based tracking.

The testing of finished products with numerous ingredients can also be difficult to interpret, making it hard to identify potential fraud.

Everstine comments that the challenge lies in balancing innovative technologies with the practical realities of food production, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing food safety and fraud.

Recent advancements in testing methods have introduced new technologies, including thermal imaging, laser-based light analysis, and DNA profiling, to enhance the sophistication of testing procedures.

The addition of more tests can increase expenses, and traditional lab-based testing may not provide the necessary speed and flexibility for frontline personnel, such as border control officers, fraud investigators, and food producers.

Timely intervention is crucial in preventing the spread of contaminated food products, but the available rapid testing methods may lack the required sensitivity to detect all potential issues.

New portable testing technologies are being developed, such as X-ray fluorescence analysers for detecting adulteration in turmeric and handheld DNA testing kits for verifying the authenticity of olive oil.

The application of machine learning algorithms is becoming increasingly useful for analysing and categorising large datasets, enabling the creation of early warning systems to identify potential risks associated with fraudulent or unsafe food products.

Despite the availability of advanced technologies, simpler, low-tech approaches to combating food crime often prove to be highly effective.

When it comes to honey, Majtán recommends purchasing directly from local beekeepers, as this approach allows consumers to have greater control over the origin and quality of the product they are buying.

Everstine advises consumers to be cautious of unusually low prices, as they may indicate a problem; for example, a $3 bottle of olive oil or honey in the US may be a sign of potential fraud or adulteration.

Up Next

Parents of SEN students express devastation as deadline looms

Don't Miss

Thai election outcome defies poll predictions

Business

Artist Alleges AirAsia Used His Work Without Permission

A street artist from Penang has reported that one of his artworks has been replicated and featured on the design of an airplane.

A lawsuit has been filed by a Malaysian-based artist against AirAsia and its parent company, Capital A Berhad, alleging unauthorized use of the artist's designs on one of the airline's planes.

A low-resolution image of an AirAsia aircraft with artwork children cycling printed on its side. The passenger plane is pictured parked in an airport — Artist Ernest Zacharevic is sueing AirAsia over the use of a livery on one of its jets in 2024

According to the lawsuit, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist residing in Penang, claims that his 2012 street mural, Kids on Bicycle, was reproduced and displayed on an AirAsia aircraft in late 2024 without his permission.

Zacharevic states that the use of his design was unauthorized, and no licensing agreement or consent was obtained, adding that the livery was removed after he publicly expressed concerns about the matter.

The BBC has reached out to AirAsia for a statement regarding the allegations.

In an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Zacharevic recalled that he first became aware of the alleged copyright infringement in October 2024, when he discovered that an AirAsia plane was featuring a livery resembling his artwork.

With over a decade of experience in Malaysia, Zacharevic is known for his roadside murals in Penang, which have become a staple of the local art scene.

One of Zacharevic's notable works is the 2012 street mural Kids on Bicycle, created for a local festival, which features two children on a bicycle integrated into the mural, located in George Town's heritage district.

The mural has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors taking photos in front of the iconic artwork.

Zacharevic alleges that his work was reproduced on an AirAsia plane without his knowledge or consent, and he personally witnessed the plane in operation at an airport.

Recalling the incident, Zacharevic expressed his discomfort with the situation, which occurred in 2024.

He took to social media to address the issue, posting a photo of the plane and tagging the airline, suggesting that they needed to discuss the use of his artwork.

A photograph of a wall mural, depicting two children in white tops. The images in painted to show the children seated on a real-life bicycle. — Zacharevic painted Kids on Bicycle, a famous wall mural in Penang, in 2012

Since then, Zacharevic has engaged in discussions with the company, but they have been unable to come to a mutually agreeable resolution.

This is not the first instance of Zacharevic's work being used in connection with AirAsia, as he claims the airline has also used his artwork on a delivery bag for its food services arm.

Court documents reveal that Zacharevic had previously discussed a potential collaboration with AirAsia in 2017, where he would create art for the airline's jets and a mural in one of their offices.

According to the documents, Zacharevic had informed the airline of his work and business rates during these discussions.

The lawsuit asserts that despite being aware of Zacharevic's work and rates, the airline proceeded to reproduce and publicly display one of his notable works, thereby infringing on his copyright and moral rights.

As the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia operates over 200 jets to more than 100 destinations, and has recently announced plans to resume flights from Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain.

Zacharevic has stated that he will leave it to the court to determine any potential compensation he may be entitled to.

The artist emphasized that he does not consider the use of his artwork to be a mere reference to cultural or geographical associations, but rather a distinct artistic creation.

Zacharevic stressed that his artwork is the result of years of professional training, skill, and labor, and should be recognized as such.

Business

US Businesses and Consumers Bear Brunt of Trump Tariff Costs, According to NY Fed

In 2022, the United States saw a significant increase in collective import tariff rates, with rates rising by more than 300 percent for a range of imported goods.

The modification of tariff agreements by President Donald Trump with several countries had a consistent outcome: increased costs for US-based companies and consumers.

A damp sidewalk in New York City being crossed by men and women carrying shopping bags.

According to a study released on Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the average tariff rate on imported goods increased significantly, rising from 2.6% at the beginning of the year to 13% in 2025.

The New York Fed's research revealed that US companies absorbed approximately 90% of the costs associated with the higher tariffs imposed by Trump on goods from countries such as Mexico, China, Canada, and the European Union.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York stated that "the majority of the economic burden of the high tariffs imposed in 2025 continues to be borne by US firms and consumers."

When tariff rates changed and increased in the previous year, exporting countries did not adjust their prices to mitigate potential declines in US demand.

Instead of lowering prices, exporters maintained their existing prices and transferred the tariff costs to US importers, who subsequently increased the prices of these goods for consumers.

The response of exporters in 2025 was similar to their reaction in 2018, when Trump introduced certain tariffs during his first term, resulting in higher consumer prices with minimal other economic effects, as noted by the New York Fed at the time.

The New York Fed's findings on Thursday are consistent with the results of other recent analyses.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organization, reported last month that its research indicated "nearly complete pass-through of tariffs to US import prices."

By analyzing 25 million transactions, Kiel researchers discovered that the prices of goods from countries like Brazil and India did not decrease.

The Kiel report noted that "trade volumes declined" instead, indicating that exporters preferred to reduce the quantity of goods shipped to the US rather than lower their prices.

The National Bureau of Economic Research also found that the pass-through of tariffs to US import prices was "nearly 100%", meaning that the US bears the cost of the price increase, not the exporting countries.

Similarly, the Tax Foundation, a Washington DC-based think tank, found that the increased tariffs on goods in 2025 resulted in higher costs for American households.

The Tax Foundation considered tariffs as a new tax on consumers and estimated that the 2025 increases resulted in an average cost of $1,000 (£734.30) per household, with a projected cost of $1,300 in 2026.

The Tax Foundation reported that the "effective" tariff rate, which accounts for decreased consumer purchases due to higher prices, is now 9.9%, representing the highest average rate since 1946.

The Tax Foundation concluded that the economic benefits of tax cuts included in Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" will be entirely offset by the impacts of the tariffs on households.

Business

BBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool

The demand for vibe-coding tools, which enable individuals without coding experience to develop applications using artificial intelligence, is experiencing rapid growth.

A significant and unresolved cyber-security vulnerability has been identified in a popular AI coding platform, according to information provided to the BBC.

BBC reporter's laptop wallpaper reads "you are hacked" with an image of a robot skull — The hacker was able to hijack a BBC reporter's laptop to upload this wallpaper

The platform, known as Orchids, utilizes a "vibe-coding" approach, enabling individuals without technical expertise to create apps and games by inputting text prompts into a chatbot.

In recent months, such platforms have gained widespread popularity, often being touted as an early example of how AI can rapidly and affordably perform various professional tasks.

However, experts warn that the ease with which Orchids can be compromised highlights the risks associated with granting AI bots extensive access to computers in exchange for autonomous task execution.

Despite repeated requests for comment, the company has not responded to the BBC's inquiries.

Orchids claims to have a user base of one million and boasts partnerships with top companies, including Google, Uber, and Amazon.

According to ratings from App Bench and other analysts, Orchids is considered the top program for certain aspects of vibe coding.

Cyber-security researcher Etizaz Mohsin demonstrated the platform's security flaws to the BBC.

To test the platform's security, a spare laptop was used to download the Orchids desktop app and initiate a vibe-coding project.

A request was made to the Orchids AI assistant to generate code for a computer game based on the BBC News website.

Screenshot of the Orchids app. Shows computer code being created in an action window and folders and chat box — Orchids is one of many AI agent platforms that writes code for users who have no experience

The AI assistant automatically compiled code on the screen, which, without prior experience, was unintelligible.

By exploiting a specific cyber-security weakness, Mohsin was able to access the project and view and edit the code.

Mohsin then added a line of code to the project, which went unnoticed.

This action apparently allowed him to gain access to the computer, as evidenced by the subsequent appearance of a "Joe is hacked" notepad file on the desktop and a changed wallpaper featuring an AI hacker image.

The potential implications of this hack on the platform's numerous projects are significant.

A malicious hacker could have easily installed a virus on the machine without any action required from the victim.

Sensitive personal or financial data could have been compromised.

An attacker could have accessed internet history or even used the computer's cameras and microphones for surveillance.

Most cyber-attacks involve tricking victims into downloading malicious software or divulging login credentials.

This particular attack was carried out without any involvement from the victim, known as a zero-click attack.

Mohsin stated that the vibe-coding revolution has introduced a new class of security vulnerabilities that did not previously exist, highlighting the risks associated with relying on AI to handle tasks.

The concept of AI handling tasks autonomously comes with significant risks, according to Mohsin.

Mohsin, a 32-year-old from Pakistan currently residing in the UK, has a history of discovering dangerous software flaws, including work on the Pegasus spyware.

Etizaz Mohsin standing at the podium giving a presentation. He has black hair and wearing a brown leather jacket and jeans — Etizaz Mohsin speaking about cyber-security at the prestigious BlackHat conference

Mohsin discovered the flaw in December 2025 while experimenting with vibe-coding and has since attempted to contact Orchids through various channels, sending around a dozen messages.

The Orchids team responded to Mohsin this week, stating that they may have missed his warnings due to being overwhelmed with incoming messages.

According to the company's LinkedIn page, Orchids is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2025 with fewer than 10 employees.

Mohsin has only identified flaws in Orchids and not in other vibe-coding platforms, such as Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Lovable.

Nonetheless, experts caution that this discovery should serve as a warning.

Professor Kevin Curran of Ulster University's cybersecurity department notes that the main security implications of vibe-coding are the potential for code to fail under attack due to a lack of discipline, documentation, and review.

Agentic AI tools, which perform complex tasks with minimal human input, are increasingly gaining attention.

A recent example is the Clawbot agent, also known as Moltbot or Open Claw, which can execute tasks on a user's device with little human intervention.

The free AI agent has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of people, granting it deep access to computers and potentially introducing numerous security risks.

Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of product at NordPass, advises caution when using such tools.

Arbaciauskas warns that while it may be intriguing to see what an AI agent can do without security measures, this level of access is also highly insecure.

He recommends running these tools on separate, dedicated machines and using disposable accounts for experimentation.

To stay informed about the latest tech stories and trends, sign up for the Tech Decoded newsletter, available outside the UK as well.

(Removed to maintain the same number of paragraphs)