EUR 91 million worth of counterfeit and substandard food seized in Europe-wide operation

by Lorraine Williamson
sub-standard food

Europol has announced the results of OPSON XIII, a coordinated operation targeting counterfeit and substandard food and beverages. The operation led to the seizure of 22,000 tonnes of food and 850,000 litres of mostly alcoholic beverages. These had a total value of EUR 91 million.

This operation, carried out by Europol in collaboration with 29 countries and agencies such as OLAF, DG SANTE, DG AGRI, and private sector producers, aims to dismantle organised crime networks involved in food fraud. The operation took place across Europe and included significant actions in Spain.

Food fraud in Spain: Major seizures

In Spain, the Guardia Civil played a prominent role in the operation. Working alongside the Italian Carabinieri and Europol, they arrested four people and seized 120,000 cans of tuna and 45,000 litres of oil in La Rioja. The detained owners of a local canning company were found to have used tuna of lower quality than indicated on the label. They also replaced olive oil with sunflower or pomace oil, which was falsely labelled as olive oil. By doing so, the company was able to sell the products at much lower prices than their competitors.

Additionally, in Valencia, the Guardia Civil investigated a pickle production company for selling products unfit for consumption. Illegal dyes and preservatives were added to the pickles. Consequently, this led to the seizure of 80 tonnes of products ready for sale.

Fraudulent trends in Europe

One of the main trends uncovered by investigators was the reintroduction of expired food into the supply chain. Fraudsters infiltrated waste disposal companies to obtain expired food, removed or altered the expiry dates, and re-sold the products. Olive oil and wines with protected designation of origin (PDO) labels were also commonly targeted for counterfeiting and fraud. These products, which are highly valued for their authenticity, were often substituted with lower-quality alternatives.

Cogesa Expats

Broader impacts of OPSON XIII

OPSON XIII involved not only the seizure of products but also the dismantling of criminal networks. Across Europe, the operation resulted in 11 criminal networks being dismantled, 104 arrest warrants issued, and 278 people reported to judicial authorities. In total, law enforcement agencies performed 5,821 checks and inspections during the operation.

Protecting public health and market integrity

Food fraud represents a significant threat to both public health and the integrity of food markets. Counterfeit and substandard foods can lead to health risks and financial losses for legitimate producers. The Europol-led operation is part of an ongoing effort to protect consumers and ensure the quality and safety of food products in Spain and across Europe.

Operation OPSON XIII also highlights the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement, food regulatory agencies, and the private sector to fight food fraud at both national and international levels.

Also read: The success of OPSON XII

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