Anyone who reports unsafe practices in food & drink industry will be protected

As Head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit, I wholeheartedly support Derek Mair’s contention that food and drink industry insiders who report unsafe or illegal practices should be encouraged to do so, and protected when they do (Scotsman, 22 August). To that end, it’s important to clarify that in Scotland it is Food Standards Scotland’s Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit that is responsible for tackling food fraud and food crime.

We fully appreciate the need for full confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers, and have a free hotline, run in partnership with Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous. The Scottish Food Crime Hotline can be reached any time of day or night, all year round, on 0800 028 7926.

There is also an option to report food crime via a nontraceable online form on Food Standards Scotland’s website.

The intelligence received by our specialist investigators from whistleblowers is invaluable in our work with Police Scotland and other agencies to hold to account those who put the public’s safety at risk. Criminal activity in relation to food costs the UK food and drink industry an estimated £1.2 billion annually, and can threaten the integrity and reputation of Scotland’s food sector.

The reality is that if this kind of illegal activity is not reported, then the necessary action cannot be taken. Food crime is not victimless and is damaging for the public, industry and Scotland’s economy. We welcome any initiative which makes it easier for people to report unsafe or criminal behaviour with confidence.

RON MCNAUGHTON

Head of the Scottish Food Crime

and Incidents Unit Food Standards Scotland