The BTSF training course on Food fraud/e-commerce - Investigation techniques - E-commerce Advanced level was launched in 2013, as cases of food fraud were increasing, reaching a great dissemination by the media at the time of the famous horse meat scandal. Food fraud cases can affect the whole food chain, sometimes using very sophisticated techniques, to avoid being detected. Internet offers multiple choices and options; complete command of these tools should be known and used by those fighting against food fraud products sold in internet.
The current challenge not only require new IT tools, but a better use of the information, methods and integrate this information in a more coordinated way, using the skills and expertise of food fraud units to attend these needs, and working in collaboration among administrations, between food safety authorities, police and judicial bodies.
This course focuses on E-commerce of food.
The BTSF Training Programme on New food investigation techniques: E-commerce Advanced level is aimed to improve knowledge and skills of control staff on specific investigation techniques used to identify food fraud (FF) or to perform official control duties on e-commerce of food and food related products, disseminating best practices and enabling the exchange of practical experience.
- To provide tools and techniques to identify internet food business operating and detect those not following the legal requirements; facilitate practical training on internet trading investigation; and spread knowledge on methods to investigate in different internet platforms, and learn practical and legal requirements to undertake official controls on internet food business; and ensure that the participants have a solid understanding of channels of communication, cooperation with different administrations and market stakeholders.
Topics EC1 Legal framework for internet control, hands on IT training, EU legislation, legal aspects and control purchase, setting up an IT system for internet investigations, International cooperation and cross border cooperation, future of on-line investigations. Lectures and practical exercises with laptops.
These are the same objectives as in the course "E-commerce standard level", however the level to reach will be higher as long as the practical exercises requested. Demonstrated experience in investigating food frauds in the internet is compulsory to attend.
EU legislation and law infringements, advanced level investigation tools, setting up contacts, cross border cooperation, future of on-line investigations. Practical approach and active contributions from participants is expected.
Enforcement staff currently working in internet search or control unit; same requirements as for Course B1, and indicate having at least 3 years’ experience working in competent authorities related to Internet investigations of food frauds. To attend, participants will have to provide information of one case study in which they have participated. This ensures previous knowledge of basic IT investigation techniques in order to be able to put hands on training knowing the basic tools and experience to make basic investigations.
For the three courses, participants should be able to work and make interventions in English, and compromise to disseminate the learnings gained. Guidance on how to disseminate the knowledge will be provided during the sessions, and a follow up questionnaire will be performed to participants attending.
| Session | Start Date | End Date | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14/03/2022 | 18/03/2022 | Virtual Course | Not applicable |
| 2 | 13/06/2022 | 16/06/2022 | Madrid | Spain |
| 3 | 17/10/2022 | 20/10/2022 | Budapest | Hungary |
