A new unit is being set up up to deal with food fraud in Scotland.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said the new group will detect and monitor fraud and illegal activity within the industry.
It will also have the power to take enforcement action where necessary, although primary responsibility for dealing with food fraud at a local level will remain with local authorities, and where serious organised crime is involved the investigation will be referred to the police for further action.
The move is a result of the recommendations of the Scudamore Expert Advisory Group, which was established by Holyrood ministers in February 2013 in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.
FSS chief executive Geoff Ogle said: "Since Food Standards Scotland was created as the new public food body for Scotland, we've been working to develop and establish the new unit.
"The unit is a vital and positive step in improving Scotland's capability and capacity in relation to tackling food crime.
"Information-sharing remains critical to unearthing and dealing with food fraud, and we continue to work closely with a number of partners both in Scotland and across the UK, including Police Scotland, local authorities, the Food Standards Agency and the food industry itself."
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment, said: "We have an excellent reputation for food and drink, and it's important that we safeguard, promote and enhance that.
"Food Standards Scotland will now have specific expertise to tackle food fraud and I welcome the progress made in putting this important resource in place.
"This should help to reassure consumers the length and breadth of Scotland that our food is safer than ever."
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