UK Supermarkets face scrutiny over tomato purées linked to forced labour
It has been reported this week by the BBC that Italian tomato purées sold in UK supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons) may contain tomatoes linked to forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region, where Uyghur and other minorities face abuse. Read more.
We asked Katrina Anderson, Principle Associate at Mills & Reeve for her thoughts:
“These kind of exposés serve to illustrate how complex food supply chains are and that the risk of food fraud remains high. They also highlight the importance of consistent programs of supply chain diligence to ensure that food labels are accurate compliant and not misleading. The ongoing risk of modern slavery within the food supply chain needs to factored in to all food business with international supply chain’s compliance with the Modern
Slavery Act.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Misleading “Italian” Labels: Products marketed as “Italian” were found to contain traces of Chinese tomatoes, raising concerns about supply chain transparency and accuracy of product origins.
Supplier Links to Forced Labour: Investigations linked Italian manufacturer Antonio Petti, a supplier to European supermarkets, to Chinese companies like Xinjiang Guannong, banned in the US for forced labour violations.
Supermarket Responses and Testing Disputes: Retailers conducted internal investigations disputing BBC’s findings, while some (e.g., Tesco, Rewe) suspended or withdrew products. The testing methodology used by the BBC has been questioned by retailers.
Call for Stronger Regulation: Human rights groups argue that the UK’s Modern Slavery Act lacks robust enforcement, risking the country becoming a dumping ground for goods made with forced labour. Advocates urge stricter laws and better supply chain accountability.
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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY:
Audit Supply Chains: Conduct thorough, independent audits to trace ingredient origins and identify links to forced labour, using trusted third-party verifiers.
Ensure Transparency: Clearly label product origins, disclose sourcing practices and use technologies like blockchain to track supply chains.
Adopt Ethical Sourcing: Implement and enforce policies banning suppliers linked to forced labour, ensuring compliance through contracts and monitoring.
Collaborate and Advocate: Partner with human rights experts, industry peers, and governments to improve practices, and support stronger legislation for mandatory due diligence.
Suspend Non-Compliant Suppliers: Replace suppliers implicated in forced labour with ethical, verified alternatives and commit to continuous monitoring.
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