Alicante company under investigation for selling imported banana as protected Canarian product

A company in Alicante is being investigated for fraudulently selling nearly 2,000 tons of imported banana during 2023 under the label "Plátano de Canarias", a product protected by Geographical Indication (IGP) status in the EU.

The bananas, sourced from Madeira and other regions, were sold as premium Canarian bananas, misleading consumers and damaging the reputation of genuine producers. The Asociación de Productores de Plátano de Canarias (ASPROCAN) triggered the investigation after detecting irregularities in the market.

The company involved had already lost its authorization to use the IGP label but allegedly continued operations, hiding its activities from certifying bodies and authorities. The Seprona unit of the Guardia Civil inspected the facilities and traced shipments to Valencia, Vigo, and Bilbao, finding falsified labels and manipulated documentation.

The ongoing judicial process in San Vicente del Raspeig is examining potential crimes including industrial property infringement, document forgery, and consumer fraud. The case also faces administrative proceedings under EU Regulation 2024/1143, with possible fines of up to €3 million.

Authorities emphasize the serious impact on both the fresh produce sector and consumer trust. Europol data sharing helped trace the banana’s origin, confirming the international scope of the operation. The Valencian government’s Food Quality Control Service is also involved in the investigation.

source: laprovincia.es

photo: foodswinesfromspain.com