Food Defense

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While ransomware is the most common cyberattack vector for businesses, other cyber threats can be far more dangerous to the food supply system, as discussed in this article.

After finding nearly 70 percent of private-label avocado oils to be rancid or adulterated, researchers have identified key markers to help the retail food industry source authentic product.

Now available is the 120 Day Food and Agriculture Interim Risk Review, which provides a review of critical and emergent risks to the U.S. food and agriculture sector, and will help inform the Federal Risk Mitigation Strategy, as outlined in the National Security Memorandum-16 (NSM-16).

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) hopes to secure further legal powers for the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) in England and Wales, which will enable the agency to more effectively investigate food crime with autonomy by granting powers of entry and search. A public consultation is now available.

The National Institute of Oilseed Products has formed a Product Integrity Committee in response to increasing incidents of food fraud within the oilseed industry worldwide.

Threat information should be disseminated as rapidly as possible, especially between businesses that may otherwise be restricted by anti-competitive laws or regulations. This article discusses the nature of the information that should be and is typically shared by businesses participating in an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC).

Approximately two-thirds of avocado oil in North America is adulterated and of lower quality than advertised, according to a recent study by researchers from the University of California, Davis.

The Food and Agriculture special interest group for the Information Technology-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) has formed the new Food and Agriculture-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC) to enable information-sharing between the agrifood and security sectors about protecting U.S. agriculture and food from cyber threats.

Livsmedelsverket, the Swedish Food Agency, recently published a handbook to help the producers of drinking water develop a plan for ensuring the safety of their product during times of crisis and war.

With security threats against the sector increasing and cyber threats against the global supply system also on the rise, it is imperative that a food and agriculture ISAC be formed. It does not have to be fully capable at the start; just a few large companies that agree to pool and analyze threat information can plant the initial seed. If successful awareness and deterrence can be demonstrated, then other companies will join. At full capability, the ISAC can serve as a watch and warning center for the sector, providing timely threat analysis for members at all levels. In this article, the authors look at what it takes to create and run a successful ISAC.