Integrating Food Fraud Mitigation into Food Safety Management Systems of SMEs in Developing Economies: Barriers and a Practical Framework

Author : Wathsala Kopala Mudalige

Abstract : This study investigates how food fraud mitigation can be integrated into existing food safety management systems within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. It examines the organisational, technical, and resource-related barriers affecting vulnerability assessment and mitigation, with particular attention to supplier controls, traceability, verification, and corrective action. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining industry surveys, expert perspectives, and an analysis of current management practices. Based on these findings, the research aims to develop a practical, scalable, and resource-proportionate framework that strengthens supply chain integrity and supports risk-based regulatory and quality assurance decision-making for SMEs.

Keywords : Food fraud mitigation, Food fraud vulnerability assessment, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Food safety management systems, Quality management systems; Supply chain integrity, Risk assessment, Developing economies.

Conference Name : International Conference on Food Quality Assurance and Safety (ICFQAS - 26)

Conference Place : Colombo, Sri Lanka

Conference Date : 4th Nov 2026