A large network of food counterfeiters has been exposed in Spain: tons of dangerous products have been seized.
An international network involved in food fraud has been uncovered in Spain, with over 11,500 tons of illegal products and nearly 1.5 million liters of counterfeit beverages seized as part of Operation OPSON XIV.
In Spain, the Civil Guard uncovered a large international network involved in food fraud. During the operation, codenamed OPSON XIV, over 11,500 tons of illegal products and almost one and a half million liters of counterfeit beverages were seized.
Most of the "harvest" was in the Canary Islands, in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. As many as 25 tons of perishable products in terrible condition were found there.
The special unit SEPRONA, together with the local health department, is investigating the case of an entrepreneur who allegedly sold spoiled food. He traded fish, seafood and other products wholesale, but did not monitor proper storage and could not explain where the goods came from.
During the inspection, 25 tons of perishable products were seized. Many of them were expired or improperly stored. Law enforcement officials say this is very dangerous for the health of people on the island.
31 countries participated in the large-scale OPSON XIV operation. Everything was coordinated by Europol and Interpol. In total, 101 arrest warrants were issued, 631 people were charged and 13 criminal groups were liquidated.
The seized products – from alcohol to meat, dairy products and seafood – are estimated at over 95 million euros.
Among the frauds discovered were counterfeit olive oil and wine, as well as products sold as well-known brands without permission.
For example, in Alicante, one company sold bananas from Madeira as Canarian, although this is a completely different product. In total, an estimated 2,000 tons of bananas were faked.
Representatives of the Canary Islands Health Service say that inspections will continue, especially in wholesale markets and ports of Tenerife. "Our goal is to ensure food safety and protect consumer health," the food control department said.
Operation OPSON XIV is part of a joint effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Ministry of Consumption and the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN). They are assisted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).