A major investigation reveals possible discrepancies in ‘Italian’ tomato purée products sold in UK supermarkets.
- Leading supermarkets faced backlash after being linked to tomatoes originating from China, potentially involving forced labour.
- The BBC investigation found tomatoes in these products may have been sourced from China’s Xinjiang province.
- Supermarkets including Tesco, Waitrose, Asda, and Morrisons are involved, with varied responses to the findings.
- Despite denials from some retailers, the investigation has prompted further scrutiny and testing.
Several UK supermarkets are under intense scrutiny following a BBC investigation into the origins of tomatoes used in ‘Italian’ tomato purée products. The probe suggests that some of these products, marketed as ‘Italian’, may actually contain tomatoes from China, raising concerns about transparency and ethical sourcing.
According to the BBC investigation, independent tests commissioned by the BBC World Service revealed that at least 17 tomato purée products sold by leading UK and German supermarket chains, including Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, and Asda, potentially contain tomatoes from China. This is particularly concerning given the reports of human rights abuses and forced labour in China’s Xinjiang province, a major tomato-producing region.
In response to these allegations, Tesco swiftly suspended its supply from the implicated source. Meanwhile, Waitrose and Morrisons have conducted their own tests, which they claim showed no evidence of Chinese tomatoes in their purée. A spokesperson for Waitrose expressed shock over the allegations and confirmed that the company had initiated a detailed investigation, including isotope testing and traceability audits, which did not support the findings of Chinese tomato usage.
China, being one of the largest producers of tomatoes globally, supplies a significant portion from the Xinjiang region. The United Nations has previously raised concerns about forced labour and other human rights abuses in this region, particularly involving minority groups.
The Italian manufacturer Antonia Petti, known for producing and supplying tomato products, has also been highlighted in this investigation. It is alleged that the company might be a key recipient of tomatoes from Xinjiang for use in its products, some of which are supplied to UK supermarkets. This situation has prompted a reassessment of supply chain practices among the concerned retailers.
The investigation into tomato purée origins has sparked an industry-wide introspection on ethical sourcing and transparency.
