Food origin is sometimes not always what it seems. This investigation by the BBC found that tomato puree that was labelled as Italian actually contained tomatoes from China, and specifically from Xinjiang, where there are concerns about forced labour from Uyghur re-education camps. It also demonstrates how complicated and deceptive the supply chain can be. In order for the BBC to carry out this investigation, they engaged a company that specialises in analysing food’s trace elements to identify the country the tomatoes originated from. They also sent in an undercover reporter, who asked questions about the origin and obtained images of some of the barrels of paste, demonstrating their link to China. It is difficult for both food producers and consumers to identify slave labour in the supply chain, where suppliers may hide details about their products. Transparency is vital to ensure that food is produced ethically and sustainably. https://lnkd.in/e6KrwZJT #SupplyChain #Sustainability #FoodAndBev
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This BBC report highlights a concern that many have held for some time - the origin and ethical production of processed fruit and vegetable products. There are allegations that ‘Italian’ tomato products contain Chinese tomatoes, and that there are questions over the human rights of the workers involved. If you want to ensure the integrity of your tomato products, buy Australian. We have two great tomato processors right here in the electorate of Nicholls - SPC in Shepparton and Kagome in Echuca. The product is safe and tastes great, and workers are treated fairly. https://lnkd.in/g4cx4Q-a
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
bbc.co.uk
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Ethical Sourcing Alert 🚨 A recent investigation by BBC News has revealed that some UK and German supermarkets are selling tomato purees labelled as “Italian” that may contain tomatoes grown in China under forced labour conditions. This situation raises significant ethical concerns, especially regarding the treatment of Uyghur and other minority groups in Xinjiang. Despite denials from supermarkets and suppliers, the evidence suggests a troubling reality. We need greater transparency and ethical practices in our food supply chains. Let’s demand better and support brands that uphold values of fairness and human rights. #Uyghurs #SupplyChains #Transparency #HumanRights
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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On today's International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, a BBC News investigation reveals that some UK high-street 'Italian' tomato products are more than likely made with tomatoes farmed in a Chinese forced labour region. Origin testing on the tomato products found that they were more than likely Chinese tomatoes, not Italian. The vast majority of Chinese tomatoes come from Xinjiang, a region where forced labour and torture are commonplace. Due diligence on supply chains and products must be strengthened, particularly in the UK, where corporate responsibility laws are weak and not enforced. EU and US forced labour legislations are only growing stronger, and the UK needs to catch up to avoid becoming a 'dumping ground' for forced labour products, as Anti-Slavery International states in the article. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e6KrwZJT #antislavery #modernslavery #esg #duediligence #supplychains
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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The industry’s worst-kept secret is finally out: Italian tomatoes might not be as “Italian” as you think. This BBC investigation shines a light on practices that many of us in the industry have known about but were rarely discussed publicly. For years, buyers have placed a premium on the “Made in Italy” label, associating it with quality, authenticity, and tradition. However, the reality unveiled in this report challenges that perception. As responsible buyers, it’s time to re-evaluate your stance on sourcing. Transparency, sustainability, and true origin are more critical than ever in the global food supply chain. Let’s focus on where our products really come from and ensure we’re supporting honest practices, not just a label. To all distributors specializing in Italian-only products: it’s crucial to acknowledge a significant discrepancy in the tomato supply chain. The volume of tomatoes produced in Italy does not align with the quantity being exported under the “Italian” label. This mismatch strongly suggests instances of labeling fraud within the industry. As professionals in the food and distribution sectors, we have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the products we source and sell. Transparency and authenticity must be non-negotiable to maintain trust with consumers and uphold the reputation of true Italian products. #italiantomatoes #supplychaintransparency #italianproducts #foodfraud #ethicalsourcing #tomatoindustry
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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https://lnkd.in/eFB72AYR An interesting piece of investigative journalism let down by what appears to be some less than robust laboratory testing. They appear to test against ONE reference sample of claimed Xinjiang tomato puree. Such a shame. Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis and trace elemental analysis are great techniques but require robust and immutable reference samples to draw sound conclusions. Testing against one reference sample can never be adequate to infer the test samples "match the profile of tomatoes grown in China". Do not let this poor application of testing put you off, these techniques are robust when correctly deployed. If you would like help with testing of tomato or tomato product please contact us. #origintesting #tomatofraud #tomatoorigin #foodforensics
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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(UK 02.12.24) ‘Italian’ purees in UK supermarkets likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes [AG: Behind the Label - The Mystery of Where Australia’s Processed Tomatoes Come From] An investigation by the BBC reveals that certain “Italian” tomato purées sold in UK supermarkets may contain tomatoes from China, sourced from the Xinjiang region, where forced labor is alleged. Despite these claims, supermarkets dispute the findings, asserting no Chinese tomatoes in their products. The investigation connects the tomatoes to companies like Antonio Petti, which has been linked to Chinese suppliers. The issue highlights concerns over forced labor in supply chains, with European regulations being scrutinized for their ability to prevent such practices. The UK government is exploring better consumer labeling to address these issues. ----- [AG: This is what we know: There is evidence that some of Australia's tomato-based processed products contain tomatoes sourced from China. Australia imports a substantial portion of its processed tomato products from several countries, including Italy, the United States and China. In 2022, China accounted for approximately $12.7 million of Australia’s processed tomato imports, positioning it as one of the leading suppliers. However, the majority of Australia's processed tomato imports come from Italy, with China being a secondary supplier. While Australian manufacturers may source tomatoes from a variety of origins, including China, Italian tomatoes tend to dominate processed products like sauces and pastes. The trade balance for processed tomatoes is heavily in deficit, indicating that Australia depends on imported products to meet domestic demand. What remains unclear, however, is whether the processed tomato imports from Italy are genuinely made from tomatoes grown in Italy, or if they include tomatoes sourced from China that are exported to and processed in Italy. This is an issue that warrants further investigation and reporting, to shed light on the actual origins of these products.] ----- Could your 'Italian' tomato paste actually be from China? https://lnkd.in/gBP5nmG5 Secrets of the Tomato Industry: The Empire of Red Gold | Food & Agriculture Documentary https://lnkd.in/gd9TCJMn https://lnkd.in/gsyCkb4U
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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🚨 **Breaking News in the Meat Industry** 🚨 China has officially stopped meat exports from Cool Port Oakland after finding ractopamine 🧐 in beef shipments. This shocking news is having a big impact on the meat trade! 🚫🥩 📍 According to Supply Chain 24/7 » Sourcing & Procurement, China’s decision is based on food safety concerns. Many countries, like China, don't allow ractopamine in meat production. This ban is a major event for both U.S. suppliers and global buyers. 📉 Cool Port Oakland now faces challenges in shipping meat products to one of the biggest markets in the world. It’s a big reminder about how food safety and regulations can affect the global trade network 🌐. Will Cool Port Oakland make changes to meet China’s strict standards? Everyone in the industry is waiting to see what happens next. 📥 Check out the full story here 👉 [https://lnkd.in/gsk9zA6Q) #SupplyChain #FoodSafety #GlobalTrade #MeatIndustry #China #Procurement
China Bans Meat Exports from Northern California Facility
supplychain247.com
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Russia: growing imports of Chinese fresh produce The import of fruits and vegetables from China to Russia continues to grow. Specifically, 8,223.4 tons of fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries were delivered from China during the week, including 1,985.7 tons of young potatoes. These are the largest deliveries of potatoes from China since the beginning of the year, reports IA UssurMedia. #grow🌱 #agribusiness #supplychain #trade #exports #markets #commodities #china🇨🇳 #freight #russia🇷🇺 #imports #foodsecurity #trucking🚛 #brics🧱 In total, the Rosselkhoznadzor management processed 66 batches of root vegetables.
Russia: growing imports of Chinese fresh produce
freshplaza.com
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2024 China The 7th #Salmon Industry Forum Area Development Industry professionals gathered in #WorldSeafoodShanghai . At present, the per capita annual consumption of salmon in China is about 0.06kg, and the Chinese market has more than 100 times the incremental space, making it the world's most potential salmon consumption market. At the same time, with the rapid development of supermarkets and the gradual formation of fresh aquatic products wholesale markets in central cities, the sales of salmon in the retail market are also steadily expanding. According to data released by Shanghai Customs in 2024, Shanghai imported 52,803 tons of salmon/trout from January to August, accounting for 80% of the China's imports. The development trend of China's salmon industry shows the characteristics of continuous growth of market demand, remarkable results of supply-side reform, environmental protection has become an important development direction, continuous improvement of the industrial chain and gradual increase in import volume. In the next few years, China's salmon industry will continue to maintain a rapid development trend, but at the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to sustainable development and environmental protection issues, strengthen technological innovation and quality supervision, so as to achieve the long-term and steady development of the industry. #salmon #trout
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#Adulteration goes beyond adding fillers to bulk out volume. It's also mislabelling 👇 ▶️ Ingredients ▶️ Origin Product quality carries a price premium, which makes it a target for #foodcrime. Adulteration can be: 💡 Quantitative When a substance of lower value is added to a product to increase its weight or volume. 💡 Qualitative Intentional misrepresentation to make a product seem higher quality e.g. origin, colour or consistency. Misrepresenting #origin impacts consumer choice and retail #sustainability and #modernslavery pledges. The answer to #foodfraud? Testing and digital footprints across the #supplychain, from #supplier to shelf.
‘Italian’ purees likely to contain Chinese forced-labour tomatoes
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