Spanish authorities have confiscated over 28 tonnes of food deemed unsuitable for human consumption, according to reports. The items were discovered in the facilities of companies located in the provinces of Zaragoza, Valencia, and Almería, as stated by the Guardia Civil.
Officials have revealed that the confiscated goods include meat products, frozen fish, and other items that were sold beyond their expiry dates. These products were also found to have manipulated labels and irregularities in traceability.
In connection with this operation, eight individuals have been apprehended, while an additional 81 are currently under investigation for various offences, including fraud, public health violations, and document forgery.
Operation Potacar saw the collaboration of authorities from the regions of Aragon, Valencia, and Andalusia.
The food items were seized from distribution warehouses. The initial inspection took place at a company located in Cuarte de Huerva, Zaragoza. During this inspection, officers uncovered food products that appeared to have been relabeled with extended shelf life dates, and several batches of these items had been distributed to other locations.
A subsequent inspection at another company in Zaragoza revealed similar problems, with food products having expired and items that should have been sold as fresh being frozen before their expiry dates and then placed on sale.
In Xirivella, Valencia, investigators discovered a company selling products with expired dates and irregularities in their labelling during another inspection.
The Guardia Civil reported that visits to 19 additional establishments in various locations revealed further instances of non-compliance.
In another phase of the operation, spanning several months, numerous outlets in various areas were inspected. Over 18,000 kilograms of products were seized due to concerns over their safety for human consumption.
Finally, an additional 45 inspections at different establishments resulted in the confiscation of more products. Most of the unsuitable food was discovered at a company in Zaragoza that supplied meat products to other locations.
Earlier this year, authorities in the Spain seized over 16 tonnes of food deemed unfit for consumption. The discovery was made by the Guardia Civil and officials from the Aragón region at a warehouse used for the distribution of food products. Among the confiscated items were beverages, canned goods, meat products, nuts, and various types of confectionery. The inspections spanned several days due to the large quantity of items stored in the warehouse.
In a separate investigation, nine individuals were arrested for selling cannabis in packaging that resembled bags of sweets. The operation, known as Operation Kaugumi, was launched by the Guardia Civil in Almería. It was revealed that the products were packaged in bags designed to mimic items in the food industry, with some appearing to be confectionery. A company in Granada was identified as the source, equipped for the production, preparation, distribution, and sale of these products, which were distributed at various locations including sports nutrition stores and service stations.
