Tough new laws to protect consumers in the wake of the horsemeat scandal could be introduced in Scotland.
The legislation would give officers enforcement powers to seize food that does not meet acceptable standards or labelling rules.
It would also be compulsory to report non-compliance with food standards regulations, which cover food fraud.
The measures proposed by the Scottish Government are in response to two expert group reports commissioned after the horsemeat scandal which rocked Europe this year.
Former chief vet Professor Jim Scudamore examined food and feed safety, while Ray Jones looked at traceability and labelling in the red-meat sector.
The legislation will be included in the Food Standards Scotland Bill, which will be introduced to parliament shortly and create a new food standards body.
Other action includes extra funding to extend meat testing, additional guidance on public-sector food procurement, £2million to strengthen consumer confidence in Scottish meat and a multi-species livestock database to improve traceability.
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “We need to be able to trust the food we buy. We must know what is in our food and it must be safe to eat.
“The horse meat scandal severely dented consumer confidence here in Scotland and across Europe. That is why the Scottish Government and our partners, including the Food Standards Agency, are taking tough action to protect consumers and ensure food quality and safety.”