Extending the Cost of Food Crime Analysis: Additional Case Studies and Assessing the Impact of NFCU Activity
The Food Standards Agency, the UK public body responsible for food safety and standards, is commissioning research into the cost of food crime and the impact of activity by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU). The contract requires the successful supplier to develop a robust, evidence-based framework and methodology for assessing and communicating NFCU impact on an ongoing basis, addressing food crime such as adulteration, substitution, misrepresentation, illegal processing and related fraud. Key deliverables are a final research report setting out a practical ongoing assessment methodology, an updated and expanded methodological framework, and repeatable public-facing impact measures with practical implementation arrangements for communicating realised impacts. The estimated contract value is £100,000, although no contract duration or delivery locations are specified. The critical qualification requirement is the ability to submit a detailed, credible research methodology capable of producing robust evidence and repeatable measures for assessing NFCU impact.
Buyer: Food Standards Agency. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £100k
- Bids close: 12 Nov 2026
- Location: York
- Procedure: Below threshold - open competition
- Contract period: 1 Dec 2026 to 31 Mar 2028
- Category: Survey services (79311000)
From the official notice
Food crime poses a significant cost to the UK economy, estimated to be between £410 million and £1.96 billion per year . Food crime encompasses a broad range of activities, including adulteration, substitution, misrepresentation, illegal processing and other forms of fraud that undermine food authenticity and integrity. The impacts of food crime extend beyond direct economic losses, affecting consumer confidence, public trust in the food system and the reputation of the UK food sector. Tenderers are invited to submit proposals setting out how they would deliver research to develop a robust, evidence-based framework and methodology for assessing and communicating the impact of the NFCU on an ongoing basis. The proposal should provide a detailed description of the proposed methodological approach and include a set of clearly defined deliverables comprising: • A final research report, setting out a practical methodology for the ongoing assessment of NFCU impact; • An updated and expanded methodological framework; and • A suite of repeatable public-facing impact measures with practical implementation enabling communicable realised impacts.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 12 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £100k.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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