Concerns Raised Over 'Italian' Tomato Purees Containing Chinese Forced-Labour Ingredients

A BBC investigation has uncovered that certain 'Italian' tomato purees sold in UK supermarkets could contain tomatoes sourced from China's Xinjiang region, where forced labour practices are alleged. Supermarkets dispute findings, but the issue raises significant questions about food sourcing and ethical practices in the supply chain.

An investigation by the BBC has brought to light serious concerns regarding 'Italian' tomato purees found in UK supermarkets, which may actually contain tomatoes sourced from Chinese farms known for using forced labour. Popular supermarket brands such as Tesco, Asda, and Waitrose have been implicated, with 17 products likely containing tomatoes from the Xinjiang region of China, where human rights abuse allegations are rampant, particularly against the Uyghur population.

The Xinjiang region is notorious for its mass detentions of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, with reports suggesting that these vulnerable groups are subjected to forced labour in agricultural sectors. Although China denies these claims, stating that workers' rights are protected by law, international organizations, including the United Nations, continue to document instances of torture and other abuses within this context.

Testing conducted by experts for the BBC World Service has revealed that a substantial quantity of tomatoes from Xinjiang makes its way into Europe, primarily through complex international shipping networks. A significant player in this supply chain is the Italian company Antonio Petti, which has reportedly received over 36 million kg of tomato paste from suppliers based in Xinjiang.

The BBC's analysis involved detailed laboratory testing of 64 tomato purees available in the UK, Germany, and the US, leading to findings that cast doubt on the authenticity of several products’ Italian origins. While notable brands including Mutti and Sainsbury's appear to meet their claims, 17 products—10 from the Petti group—indicated the likely inclusion of Chinese tomatoes.

Response from the implicated supermarkets has varied, with many disputing the BBC's findings and claiming their internal investigations found no evidence of tampering. Tesco has suspended their supply amidst the controversy, while Lidl acknowledged a brief period of sourcing from China due to supply chain issues.

The complexity of the situation further deepens as the Petti group faces scrutiny for misleading claims regarding its supply chain practices, with a BBC undercover reporter revealing that Petti managers acknowledged the use of Chinese tomatoes, albeit privately. This has prompted calls for more robust regulations in the UK's food sourcing, especially in light of the revelations that European entities self-regulate compliance with human rights standards.

As discussions about food ethics grow, experts are underscoring the need for transparency and integrity in food sourcing and supply chains. The impacts of low pricing in food products may indeed reflect hidden costs associated with unethical labour practices. Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger regulations to ensure that products sold to consumers do not stem from exploitative sources, highlighting increasing public awareness about the true cost of food.