Food Standards Scotland (FSS) proved crucial in battling a major a EUR200m scam that involved sales of fake tuna, writes The Sunday Post. The operation against the mis-sold tuna took place just days after the Food Standards Agency said one in five British meat products tested positive for meant not on the label after their inspectors found ham slices containing no ham and lamb doners with no lamb.
In the tuna scam, the fish was illegally treated with vegetable extracts containing a high concentration of nitrates to alter the color and give the impression of freshness. This can represent a serious risk to public health.
The ongoing Operation Opson involved police, customs and food experts across 11 countries. In Scotland, environmental health officers were mobilized to take samples of tuna nationwide.
Samples taken from fishing vessels and processing plants across Europe resulted in 51 tones of frozen tuna being seized, mainly in Spain, where a criminal investigation was launched.
Interpol and Europol are among the international law enforcement agencies collaboration to target fraudsters in a bid to halt the rise of illicit, counterfeit and sub-standard food.
In 2018, more than 3,620 tons and 9.7 million liters of either fake or sub-standard food and drink were seized as a result of more than 41,000 checks carried out at shops, markets, airports, seaports and industrial estates. About 750 people were arrested or destined with investigation continuing in many countries.
