Falsification of agricultural products: new challenges for forensic commodity examination and countermeasures in wartime conditions

Abstract

The article explores the transformation of risks associated with the falsification of agricultural products in Ukraine, driven by the specific challenges of martial law. The authors analyze the impact of the destruction of production facilities, the blockade of logistical routes, and the critical rise in energy costs on the safety of the food market. Particular attention is paid to the study of novel schemes for adulterating agro-commodities that have emerged due to the fuel and energy crisis and the shortage of traditional raw materials. The research problem lies in identifying the inadequacy of classical commodity expertise methods in the face of modern «intellectual» falsification techniques. It has been established that the temporary relaxation of state regulations and the moratorium on business inspections have created «grey zones» stimulating the spread of counterfeit goods and «grey» imports. A distinct aspect highlighted is the issue of «chemical resuscitation» of spoiled products that lost their quality due to temperature regime violations during blackouts, posing a direct threat to food security and national health. The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of agricultural product falsification schemes in current crisis conditions and the substantiation of scientific and practical algorithms for their detection. The methodological framework of the work includes a systemic analysis of the regulatory framework for product quality under war conditions, a comparative characterization of falsification methods before and after the full-scale invasion, and a synthesis of innovative instrumental approaches. The authors employed identification methods and the algorithmization of expert decisions to enhance the efficiency of investigating offenses in the consumer market. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the refinement of the classification of falsification types (assortment, quality, quantity, and information) by accounting for the factors of martial law. The economic prerequisites for the emergence of counterfeiting are systematized, specifically the impact of shrinkflation and the use of surrogates of unknown origin. The necessity of implementing molecular genetic analysis (DNA barcoding), isotopic analysis, and portable NIR analyzers for conducting express control in “field” conditions is substantiated. The conclusions emphasize that modern forensic commodity expertise under war conditions is transforming from a passive tool of conformity assessment into a dynamic system of strategic monitoring. It is proved that only an integrated approach, combining laboratory precision with digital traceability technologies (Track & Trace systems), can ensure reliable protection of the agricultural market and guarantee the food security of the state in extreme conditions.