Major UK supermarkets are embroiled in controversy over ‘Italian’ tomato purée origins.
- A BBC investigation suggests that these products might actually contain Chinese-grown tomatoes.
- Independent tests indicate the presence of Chinese tomatoes in products from several supermarket brands.
- Supermarkets like Tesco and Waitrose have disputed these findings with their own investigations.
- The issue raises concerns about potential human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province.
A recent investigation by the BBC accuses top UK supermarkets like Tesco, Waitrose, and Asda of selling tomato purée labelled as ‘Italian’ which may include tomatoes sourced from China. Independent tests reportedly detected the presence of Chinese tomatoes in products from these and other supermarkets, sparking widespread concern.
The BBC World Service commissioned independent testing, finding at least 17 products from major UK and German supermarkets contained some tomatoes grown in China. This situation has brought significant scrutiny upon these retailers, questioning the authenticity of their ‘own-brand’ purée labels.
The Chinese tomatoes are reportedly sourced from the Xinjiang province, a region flagged by the United Nations for alleged human rights abuses and the use of forced labour. This revelation adds a layer of ethical concern to the economic and trade implications already faced by the companies involved.
In response to these findings, Tesco has suspended its supply chain connections regarding the implicated products. By contrast, Waitrose and Morrisons conducted their own tests, which contradicted the BBC’s claims. According to Waitrose’s spokesman, their tests involved isotope analysis and a thorough audit that found no trace of Chinese tomatoes.
The manufacturer involved, Antonia Petti, produces tomato products under its own brand as well as for other supermarkets. The company’s operational practices have now come under scrutiny, given its potential role in importing tomatoes from Xinjiang.
The controversy over the origin of ‘Italian’ tomato purée continues, highlighting serious ethical and supply chain challenges.
