Yes. Combating fake or adulterated foods requires stronger food safety regulations, routine inspections, strict enforcement of food laws, and improved traceability throughout the food supply chain.
Consumers can protect themselves by:
- Buying food from reputable and licensed vendors.
- Checking labels, expiry dates, and quality certification marks.
- Avoiding products with unusually low prices or suspicious packaging.
- Purchasing foods in their original, sealed packaging where possible.
- Reporting suspected counterfeit or adulterated foods to the relevant food safety authorities.
- Staying informed about food recalls and food safety alerts.