The Food & Beverage Fraud Nexus Conference, themed “Unmasking Deception Across the Food & Beverage Chain,” will bring together leading experts from government, academia, consumer protection organizations, and industry to address fraud across the food and beverage supply chain. The event will focus on strengthening detection, prevention, and prosecution strategies to combat fraud while protecting food integrity and consumer trust in South Africa.
The conference will feature prominent speakers including Dr John W. Spink, Director of the Food Fraud Prevention Think Tank at Michigan State University; Prof Lise Korsten of the Africa Academy of Science; and Kas Sami-Kistnan, Senior Prosecutor at the National Prosecuting Authority. Other experts from regulatory bodies, research institutions, and consumer watchdog organizations will also share insights on addressing food fraud and strengthening accountability across the sector.
Key discussions will explore how food fraud cases move through the National Consumer Tribunal, the challenges posed by South Africa’s illicit alcohol market, and the analysis of consumer complaints related to food authenticity and safety. Experts will also highlight how counterfeit and fake food products undermine community trust, cultural heritage, and traditional food systems.
Additional sessions will focus on identifying vulnerabilities across the food and beverage value chain, the role of Halal certification in fraud prevention, and the importance of integrated supply chain management. Speakers will also examine how plant diseases, pests, and contaminants can create downstream risks that affect food safety and quality.
The conference aims to provide delegates with practical insights into regulatory frameworks, enforcement strategies, and innovative approaches to preventing food fraud. By fostering collaboration between regulators, prosecutors, industry leaders, and researchers, the event seeks to strengthen consumer protection and build more resilient food systems in South Africa and beyond.