“What is on your table?” This is the question posed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as part of its campaign for World Campaign Day, which reveals the alarming threat of falsified food and drinks throughout the EU. This initiative comes in follow -up reports that show that falsification in the field of food and beverages still poses significant risks to consumer health, while harming Europe’s economies and its gastronomic heritage.

Falsified products are often luxury or luxury species or clothing and fashion. However, according to the 2022 report on the assessment of threats to the crime against intellectual property, food – especially biscuits, pasta, crisps and sweets – were the second category of products with the most seizures on the EU external border in 2020.

Recent findings have revealed the worrying extent of this criminal activity. The European Police Service report (Europol) to assess the threat of serious and organized crime in the European Union for 2025 (LOCTA), stresses that the development of e -commerce has offered the counterfeit new ways of distributing fake food, making it more difficult for consumers to recognize them. Criminals falsify food labels and packaging and adjust production processes, targeting high -value products.

On -the -spot control companies have also revealed the extent of the problem. Europol and Interpol’s joint Opson business, which is being carried out each year, has led to the seizure of fake and non -compliant food standards worth € 91 million in 2024.

EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão said: “Food and drinks are of great concern for public health. Our campaign aims to supply consumers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, while supporting the legal businesses that keep EU quality standards. This is a battle that we must all together: principles, producers and consumers. “

The risks to health remain primary concern. The Socta 2021 report warns that hazardous substances such as methanol, mercury, fipronil and various insecticides or pesticides have been identified in falsified food products.

Beverage falsification, in particular alcoholic, remains a major problem, with organized criminal groups using sophisticated methods to deceive consumers. Falsies often reuse authentic bottles or print fake labels and place them in empty bottles, making consumers more difficult for consumers and authorities to distinguish the lawful products.

The financial impact is also important. According to EUIPO data, the area of ​​wine and alcoholic beverages was one of the most affected areas in falsification during the period 2013-2017. In total, 2289 million euros were lost in sales and nearly 5700 jobs were destroyed in the EU per year due to falsification. The loss of taxes from these products was also significant, as it amounted to 2068 million euros.

China and Turkey were among the countries of origin most commonly mentioned for fake food and drinks seized at the EU’s external border in 2019 and 2020.

Geographical indications, a sign of authenticity

The Food and Beverage Industry is a cornerstone of the EU economy, contributing significantly to regional development, employment and job creation. From wines to traditional food products, geographical indications (GE) allow consumers to trust and distinguish quality products, while helping producers better market their products. These names protect the names of products derived from specific areas and have properties or characteristics that are mainly due to the specific geographical environment.

The EU GEO system includes the names “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO), “Protected Geographical Indication” (PGI) and “Guaranteed Traditional Product” (EPS). These certifications safeguard Europe’s rich gastronomic heritage and provide consumers guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of the products. Currently, more than 3600 products have been registered in the European Union as geographical indications.

France, Italy and Germany have a leading position in both the production and the consumption of geographical products, with France representing almost 32% of the sales of European products with a geographical indication. Wine accounts for 54% of the total consumption of products with a geographical indication in the EU, which makes it particularly vulnerable to falsification. Other products that are largely affected by falsification are olive oil, beer, meat, cheese and dairy products.

How can consumers be protected

Euipo’s campaign “What’s on your table?” It provides practical consumer tips on how to protect themselves from counterfeit products. Consumers are encouraged to buy from official retail traders and distribution channels, as well as official isotols in order to avoid counterfeit products. Verification of product marking and its origin and control of certification logo can help confirm the legality of the product. In particular, consumers should look for the official EU Geographical Indication labels, such as PDO, PGI and EPI, in order to ensure the authenticity of the products they buy.

It is also important to carefully examine the packaging and the product itself, as falsified products often have defects in the final treatment or spelling errors. The use of authenticity verification tools, such as QR codes and holograms, can further help verify the authenticity of a product. EUIPO has published a guide for the fight against falsification and piracy, which includes over 40 technologies that can help entrepreneurs protect their commercial brands.

Fighting fake products in Europe

Food and beverage falsification and abuse of geographical indications are an important and serious crime to be treated internationally. EUIPO is actively involved in combating falsification across the EU. In its efforts, it works with various organizations and local authorities, including police and rights holders, with the aim of enhancing cross -border cooperation and law enforcement in Europe.

High profile businesses, such as Opson – which means “food” in ancient Greek – help to remove fake and non -compliance with food and beverage standards from the market. In 2024, the annual Opson business, coordinated by Europol and Interpol in cooperation with local authorities in 29 European countries, as well as with food and drink producers, led to the seizure of 22,000 tonnes of food and about 850000 liters (mainly alcoholic) beverages, worth 91 million euros. The company also resulted in the dismantling of 11 criminal networks and referring 278 people to the judicial authorities in relation to falsified products. In the context of these businesses, EUIPO provides know -how on the issues of intellectual property rights – in particular trademarks and geographical indications – while offering training and working closely with the law enforcement authorities on the fight against falsification.

As evidenced by EUIPO reports, production and distribution of counterfeit products are often linked to organized crime – activities that undermine legal businesses, endanger consumers and contribute to funding other serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, money laundering terrorism.