They're fake and you don't know it: These are the 10 most adulterated foods in the world.

Without realizing it, many of us buy products in supermarkets, convenience stores, and grocery stores, believing them to be fresh and natural. However, the reality is different : some foods are more manipulated than others, and there's a list of the 10 most adulterated foods. Which ones should you be careful with?

According to BBC News Mundo , this practice, known as food fraud, seeks to increase economic profits by manipulating food, regardless of the risks this may pose to consumers' health.

A survey published in 2024 by supply chain certification experts analyzed more than 15,000 public records on the topic, identified between 1980 and 2022. Based on these studies, the 10 most "fraudulent" products were determined:

1. Cow's milk

2. Extra virgin olive oil

3. Honey

4. Beef

5. Chili powder

6. Olive oil without quality specification

7. Turmeric powder

8. Powdered milk

9. Vodka

10. Ghee (clarified butter)

The survey was conducted by institutions including FoodChain ID, Henry Chin and Associates, Moore FoodTech, and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). The results were published in the Journal of Food Protection in March 2024.

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Food fraud not only affects product quality but also poses risks to public health. For example, if someone with a soy allergy consumes a beef burger containing this ingredient without it being indicated on the packaging, they may suffer a severe allergic reaction.

The FDA estimates that 1% of all food produced worldwide is subject to some form of fraud or counterfeiting, resulting in losses of approximately US$40 billion each year.

Which countries have the most food fraud?

The countries with the highest number of detected food frauds include India, China, the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This demonstrates that food adulteration is a global problem, one that does not distinguish between producing and consuming countries. Therefore, it is essential that consumers be well-informed and aware of these practices. Knowing how some products are handled allows for safer purchasing decisions and protects the health of the entire family.

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How can food fraud occur?

Food fraud poses a risk to consumer health. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency , the adulteration process can introduce toxic substances or lose essential nutrients, increasing the likelihood of foodborne illness. 1. Dilution: A high-value liquid product is mixed with a lower-value product to reduce the production costs of the item sold to the consumer.

2. Mislabeling: False or misleading information is provided on the packaging or label.

3. Unauthorized enhancements: Unknown or undeclared substances are added to the product.

4. Substitution: An expensive ingredient, or part of the product, is replaced by another of lesser value.

5. Concealment: The presence of low-quality ingredients or products is deliberately hidden.

6. Counterfeiting: the brand, design, composition or manufacturing methods of another product are imitated.

7. Parallel market or theft : products are sold without the corresponding permits or authorizations.