Polish Parliament Passes Stricter Food Fraud Law

The Sejm approved a amendment to the Act on the Commercial Quality of Agricultural and Food Products, introducing a legal definition of "food fraud" and expanding the powers of the Inspection of Commercial Quality of Agricultural and Food Products (IJHARS). The new rules target false labeling of origin, composition, or expiry dates, and grant IJHARS authority to monitor online sales and advertising. Penalties range from fines to restriction of liberty or imprisonment, with harsher sanctions for high‑value products.

During the debate, MP Mariusz Popielarz from Ostrołęka emphasized consumer confidence, stating, "Każdy z nas chce mieć pewność, że żywność, którą kupuje dla siebie i swojej rodziny, jest bezpieczna, dobrej jakości i zgodna z informacjami umieszczonymi na etykiecie." The legislation is presented as a way to protect shoppers, support Polish producers, and ensure transparency in both domestic and imported food supplies.