A BBC investigation raises concerns over the origin of ‘Italian’ tomato purée sold in UK supermarkets, linking it to forced labour in China.
- The investigation found that several major UK supermarkets, including Tesco and Asda, sell tomato purée labelled ‘Italian’ containing tomatoes from China.
- Independent tests indicated 17 products from various supermarket chains may contain Chinese-grown tomatoes.
- Supermarkets such as Waitrose and Morrisons contested these findings through independent lab tests.
- Forced labour in China’s Xinjiang province is a significant concern in this context.
A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered that major UK supermarkets, such as Tesco, Waitrose, and Asda, are marketing tomato purée products labelled as ‘Italian’, which may include tomatoes sourced from China. This revelation has sparked a considerable backlash, as the purée is associated with tomatoes grown in Italy, but findings suggest a substantial portion originates from China, raising ethical concerns.
The BBC Eye investigation specifically highlighted that 17 tomato purée products, sold under the supermarkets’ own-brand ranges, potentially contained tomatoes from China. Among the products identified were Essential Waitrose Tomato Purée, Asda’s Organic Tomato Purée, and Tesco’s Italian Tomato Purée, to name a few. These findings are particularly troubling given China’s Xinjiang province’s reputation for forced labour, a region flagged by the United Nations for human rights abuses involving minorities.
In response to the investigation, Tesco has taken immediate action by halting its supply, pending further examination. In contrast, Waitrose and Morrisons have conducted their own series of tests, which reportedly contradict the BBC’s claims, finding no traces of Chinese tomatoes in their products. A spokesperson from Waitrose expressed their shock at the allegations and reinforced their commitment to strict product specifications and ethical sourcing.
The issue also extends to the supply chain, particularly involving Italian tomato manufacturer Antonia Petti, which, according to the investigation, could be using tomatoes sourced from Xinjiang in its production process. The manufacturer’s role is crucial as it supplies many of the supermarkets’ purée products under its brand and the supermarkets’ own labels.
The broader implication of this investigation touches on ethical consumerism and supply chain transparency. As consumer awareness increases, the scrutiny over sourcing practices from regions accused of human rights violations becomes more intense, challenging supermarkets to ensure their products comply with ethical standards.
This investigation stresses the importance of transparency in supply chains, urging supermarkets to assure consumers of ethical compliance.
