Food fraud vulnerability assessment is a requirement under both IFS Food and BRCGS. It is designed to identify where fraudulent activity could enter the supply chain and to inform the controls put in place to reduce that risk.
In practice, vulnerability assessments vary significantly in depth and relevance. Some reflect the supply chain as it was when the assessment was first written. Others have not been updated to reflect new suppliers, new markets, or changing commodity risks.
The gap between having an assessment and maintaining one that is genuinely useful is one of the more consistent observations across audits.
What comes in the way of effective food fraud control
- Vulnerability assessments completed but not regularly reviewed or updated
- Limited connection between the assessment and actual procurement decisions
- Generic assessments not tailored to specific supply chain characteristics
- Insufficient use of external intelligence on commodity fraud trends
- Corrective actions following findings that do not address the assessment itself
A completed assessment confirms intent. A maintained and applied assessment demonstrates control.
Audit-focused insights
From an audit perspective, food fraud vulnerability assessments are evaluated through:
- Evidence of regular review and updating in response to supply chain changes
- Alignment between assessed vulnerabilities and control measures in place
- Use of relevant external information in the assessment process
- Integration of supplier and commodity-specific risk factors
- Documentation demonstrating that the assessment influences operational decisions
Certima’s Mission
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. Certification enables businesses to demonstrate that they meet regulatory and client requirements for food safety and quality through rigorous compliance.
While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable tool for businesses to strengthen transparency and trust in the delivery of safe food products, while evaluating their fraud prevention strategies and supply chain integrity.