Whether double-layer cookies with creamy filling or crunchy breadsticks with a hazelnut-nougat dip—well-known brand sweets have been popular for decades, though unfortunately not only among consumers. Increasingly, food products, especially sweets, have become the target of counterfeiters. Recently, during a truck inspection, customs at Amberg seized a greater charge of sweets that closely resembled well-known branded products in both appearance and packaging. The shipment originated from Iraq and was subsequently destroyed.

Counterfeit food products represent a serious and growing problem worldwide. According to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Europol, items like cookies, pasta, and sweets rank among the most frequently seized product categories, indicating the increasing professionalism and prevalence of such counterfeits. Criminals often use substandard or even hazardous ingredients, producing these goods under poor hygienic conditions, which can pose health risks for consumers. Brand owners can contribute to consumer safety and prevent economic damage by investing in reliable anti-counterfeiting measures.

Image: Mockaroon (Unsplash)