Following the horse meat and nut and spice contamination scandals in recent times, evidence of a new food fraud case – this time, oregano contamination – is a fresh blow to the industry.

The results of the study, revealed to Which?, found that a quarter of samples of dried oregano – purchased from various retailers in the UK, Ireland and from online retailers – contained ingredients other than oregano. These ingredients, most commonly olive and myrtle leaves, were found to make up between 30 and 70 per cent of the product.

Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queens University Belfast, as well as author of the review into food crime commissioned by the government following the horse meat scandal, led the snapshot investigation.

Professor Elliott says, "Clearly we have identified a major problem and it may well reflect issues with other herbs and spices that enter the British Isles through complex supply chains.

"Much better controls are needed to protect the consumer from purchasing heavily contaminated products."

In the wake of food fraud again making the headlines, businesses may benefit from attending next months Fighting Food Fraud conference, which aims to help them combat the issue.

Professor Elliott will be joined by Andy Morling, head of the Food Standards Agencys food crime unit, and John Figgins, BRC technical specialist, to discuss how businesses can best protect themselves and the public.

Taking place at Doncaster Racecourse on 17 September, the conference is expected to attract delegates from some of the UKs biggest retailers, caterers and manufacturers, and is being organised by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC).

Tickets cost £170 plus VAT. Food & Drink Technology has teamed up with HABC to offer readers a 15 per cent discount on this cost – please quote Food 15 when booking.