Some 460 tonnes of conventionally grown apples and pears in Italy have been seized by the Italian authorities before they could be passed off as organic production.

The seizure took place at a farm in Padua which was licensed to handle and process organic fruit exclusively. But it was found the facility was also handling conventional produce on the same grading and packing lines.

Italian farm policy minister Luca Zaia paid tribute to the work of inspectors involved in the operation. He said: “Thanks to the work of the central food quality inspectorate we have taken intercepted this fruit destined for the organic market. It shows that whoever tries to con citizens in this way will feel the full force of phase two of our zero tolerance policy. Honest consumers and producers can rest easy because our controls over Italian produce are robust.”

Topics