Watermelons imported from Costa Rica confiscated in the Canary Islands

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty of the Government of the Canary Islands has seized 1,546 kilograms of watermelons from Costa Rica, whose entry is prohibited under Spanish law.

 

During an inspection at Mercatenerife, 2 batches of watermelons of different origins were detected. The 1st batch, weighing 1,546 kilograms, was seized due to its illegal origin. The 2nd batch, weighing 470 kilograms and originating from Almería, raised doubts as to its traceability.

 

Examination revealed discrepancies in the amounts shown on the invoices submitted by the marketing company. Although a total of 8,500 kilograms of watermelons had been purchased, only 2,016 kilograms were found. This suggests that the rest had already been sold or distributed. The company now faces complaints under the Phytosanitary Law and Ordinance regulating phytosanitary standards for the import and export of plants in the Canary Islands, with possible fines ranging from EUR 3,001 to EUR 120,000 for these offenses.