Exposing Forced Labor in Italian Tomato Purees: A Shocking Investigation

A recent investigation by the BBC reveals that several “Italian” tomato purees sold in UK supermarkets likely contain tomatoes harvested in China under conditions of forced labor. Brands include Tesco’s “Italian Tomato Purée” and Asda’s double concentrate, which misleadingly claim to be made from Italian-grown tomatoes. A total of 17 products, predominantly own-brands from retailers in the UK and Germany, were tested and found potentially linked to Chinese tomatoes sourced from the Xinjiang region, notorious for human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

Testing commissioned by the BBC exposed the grim reality behind the supply chains of these tomato products. Xinjiang is known for its oppressive environment, where the Chinese government has allegedly detained over a million Uyghurs since 2017 in what they label “re-education camps”. Claims from former detainees indicate that workers are subjected to inhumane conditions, forced to meet quotas under threat of violence. Reports include testimonies of electric shocks and brutal beatings for failing to meet daily targets of tomato harvesting.

The investigative report shows the complex route taken by these tomatoes to reach Europe: transported from Xinjiang via a network through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, to Georgia, before reaching Italy, where they are processed by firms like Antonio Petti. Recent data highlighted that Petti alone received millions of kilograms of tomato paste sourced from Xinjiang’s companies allegedly implicated in forced labor practices.

In an effort to verify origins, the BBC employed Source Certain, a firm specializing in origin verification. Their analysis of 64 tomato purees from various regions showed that while many products genuinely contained Italian tomatoes, 17 were found to have Chinese origins, with a significant share linked to the Petti brand.

The supermarkets involved refuted the findings, asserting their internal investigations found no evidence of Chinese tomatoes used in the products. Tesco suspended the supply of the implicated products, while other retailers conducted additional testing that contradicted the BBC’s findings. In contrast, Lidl admitted to a brief use of Chinese tomatoes due to supply issues, pledging to investigate the matter further.

The Petti group, previously linked to a scandal involving mislabeling foreign tomatoes as Italian, defended its practices, claiming it stopped purchasing from suppliers implicated in forced labor. However, further scrutiny revealed connections between the companies it sourced from and those under investigation. An undercover probe revealed a lack of transparency, as an official was recorded suggesting they could find ways to procure cheaper products from Chinese suppliers if desired.

Amidst ongoing allegations, and with growing scrutiny from various human rights organizations, legislators in the UK have called for better labeling to inform consumers about the origins of their food. The UK has received critiques for its insufficient legislation around forced labor in supply chains compared to more stringent regulations in the US. Activists warn that without significant reform, the UK risks becoming a hub for products affiliated with forced labor.

As the revelation of forced labor in the tomato supply chain raises serious ethical questions, commentators urge consumers to contemplate the true cost behind cheap products in supermarkets, urging transparency and accountability across food supply chains.