The Setup of the National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) in Germany

The present report addresses the challenges in the fight against food fraud, discusses the definition of food fraud as a legal concept, the point in time at which policy makers in Europe became aware of food fraud, i.e., the horsemeat scandal in 2013, and the policy responses of the EU as well as Germany to that scandal. Moreover, the establishment, structure, and objectives of the recently established National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) in Germany are described. Practical Applications: The suggested structure of the German National Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) can be used as a blueprint when wanting to build up European Union centers for the authenticity and integrity of the agri-food chain in the member states. Locations of the Max Rubner-Institut across Germany and focus of food authenticity research at the different locations. The National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) headquarters are located in the city of Kulmbach.