An Italian investigation of retailers selling global foods uncovered the organized illegal sale of foods imported from China, some of which had been falsely sold as plant-based snacks when they contained ingredients of animal origin. Tests also revealed undeclared allergens, the presence of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus, and prohibited species. The findings prompted national authorities to launch a coordinated national inspection campaign.
The investigation was detailed in a new article published in the Italian Journal of Food Safety, in which researchers from the Naples Local Health Authority and the University of Naples examined how prohibited foods may circumvent EU controls for products imported from third countries.
EU legislation specifies the third countries, territories, regions, and establishments authorized to export certain animals and foods of animal origin to the EU….
Trust your gut feeling—if a transaction or a conversation feels pressured, overly emotional, or “off,” stop all communication immediately and seek a second opinion from a trusted friend or professional.