BSI’s updated guidance -- to reduce the risk of an attack that could paralyze the food and beverage supply network-- places increased emphasis on cyber-enabled threats, recognizing the sector’s growing dependence on connected systems, digital infrastructure and automated production.
First published in 2008, the updated framework provides a practical tool to guard against threats ranging from malicious contamination and terrorism to economically motivated adulteration.
“The food and drink supply network is a vital part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, and it is under constant pressure, whether from rising costs and operational disruption, geopolitical conflict or climate events. These conditions create opportunities for malicious actors, like criminals, extremists and opportunists, to exploit vulnerabilities in supply networks,” says Emily Field, food sector lead, BSI. “PAS 96 has guided the global food industry for nearly two decades, and this latest revision reflects the realities organizations now face, providing a practical, risk-based framework to strengthen resilience and safeguard operations. Ensuring the safety, integrity, and availability of food is crucial for business continuity and national resilience.”
Key takeaways:
· PAS 96 was updated with input from a steering group, including UK government, the Food Standards Agency, global food brands, academia, and industry bodies.
· BSI’s most recent supply chain risk report found that food and beverages were the most frequently targeted commodities in cargo theft, accounting for 14% of all incidents, followed by agricultural goods (8%).
· Strategic theft now accounts for around 5% of incidents globally. Incidents are often cyber-enabled, using phishing, spoofed carriers or stolen identities to gain access to legitimate shipments and divert cargo.
· BSI’s SCREEN Quarterly Risk Intelligence Outlook identified the top countries for thefts globally in the first quarter of the year: Brazil (27%), India (14%), the United States (12%), Mexico (11%), and Germany (4%), and the top modalities as truck (75%), facility (15%), sea (3%), van (2%), and rail (1%).
