Food supplements top the EU fraud risk

Published Date :
Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026
Tags :
voedselfraude
voedselinformatie
voedseletikettering

Food supplements top the EU fraud risk list due to unauthorised ingredients

The report on EU Agri-Food Fraud Suspicions from October 2025 shows that food supplements are by far the most frequently mentioned category within ‘non-compliances with fraud suspicions’. Of the 62 entries within this group, no fewer than 43 cases are related to ingredients that are not approved within the European Union.

The report is compiled based on information from the Alert and Cooperation Network (including RASFF and the Agri-Food Fraud Network) and shows that supplements form a high-risk profile within the European market. In addition to unauthorised ingredients, the reports concern: 

  • Multiple cases of adulteration (the actual content is lower than stated on the label) 
  • Improper processing with additives such as E1204/164/211/171 
  • Incorrect nutrition and health claims 
  • Misleading organic claims and origin labels 
  • Use of ingredients not registered in the EU 

This means that these food supplements do not comply with applicable legislation and pose risks to consumer safety. Such non-compliance can lead to fines or product recalls. 

Advice for QA managers 

Map the risks of supplements, with an extra focus on lists of permitted ingredients, and validate health claims. By carefully checking ingredients and claims in advance, you prevent non-compliances at a later stage and potential recalls or fines. 

Want to find out more? 

Questions about ingredients, claims or preventing food fraud with food supplements? Our experts are happy to think along with you or provide a product analysis, monitoring plan or label check. Feel free to contact us at foodsafetysolutions@ftbnl.eurofins.com or +31(0)888 31 03 30