Director General Joan Llabrés emphasised that “these controls on products from third countries are carried out at the request of the sector and aim primarily to prevent unfair competition against local agri-food operators.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, through the Agri-food Control and Quality Service —under the Directorate General of Agri-food Quality and Local Products— has seized, in a supermarket in Palma, a batch of dried fruit originating from China for failing to declare two preservatives on its label, one of which may cause allergic reactions. Regulations clearly state that allergens must be listed on the packaging’s food label and must be highlighted.
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The Balearic Government seizes a batch of dried fruit from China for failing to label two preservatives, one of which may cause allergies
In this regard, the Director General of Agri-food Quality and Local Products, Joan Llabrés, explained that “these controls on third-country products are conducted at the request of the sector and are primarily intended to prevent unfair competition for local agri-food operators.” He also added that “not listing the preservatives in the ingredients list constitutes consumer fraud.” Furthermore, “in this particular case, the product posed a health risk, as it could cause allergic reactions in some individuals — another reason why the Directorate General has intervened and seized the goods.”
During the inspection conducted last week, it was also found that the product was incorrectly labelled, as it was being sold under the name “sweet date,” although the food did not contain this fruit and its main component was jujube. Likewise, the label emphasised the presence of honey, although it was not listed among the ingredients.
The Balearic Government reminds the public once again that violations of current regulations may lead to administrative sanctions. In the case of serious infringements, fines range from €3,000 to €60,000.