Recent investigations reveal misleading labeling in UK supermarkets regarding the origin of ‘Italian’ tomato purée.
- Several UK supermarkets have been accused of selling purée labeled as ‘Italian’ that contains tomatoes from China, according to a BBC Eye investigation.
- The investigation named major retailers like Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda as marketing products under incorrect origins.
- Independent testing found that 17 products contained Chinese tomatoes, despite being marketed as Italian.
- Responses from supermarkets have varied, with some disputing the findings and others suspending supplies.
A recent investigation by BBC Eye has uncovered that several leading UK supermarkets are allegedly selling ‘Italian’ tomato purée that includes tomatoes sourced from China. This misleading labeling has sparked a considerable backlash as customers and stakeholders question the authenticity of the products marketed by these retailers.
Prominent supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda were identified as part of this issue through independent testing conducted by the BBC World Service. This testing revealed that at least 17 products, branded as ‘Italian’, actually contained tomatoes originating from China, challenging the trust consumers have in these brands.
Among the revelations, it is noted that Antonia Petti, an Italian manufacturer supplying many own-brand labels, sources tomatoes from China’s Xinjiang province. This region is notorious due to United Nations reports spotlighting significant human rights concerns, including forced labor.
The response from UK supermarkets has been mixed. Tesco took immediate action by suspending its suppliers. In contrast, Waitrose and Morrisons have contested the BBC’s findings, conducting their own tests that allegedly contradict the investigative results. They claim these tests show no trace of Chinese tomatoes in their purée products.
Following the allegations, a Waitrose representative voiced their concern stating, ‘We were appalled to hear these serious allegations, and launched an immediate investigation, sending a team of food auditors to the site in Italy.’ Despite their testing efforts showing no discrepancies, Waitrose remains poised to take action should any further evidence arise.
These allegations highlight the critical need for transparency in food labeling to ensure consumer trust and product authenticity.
