Carrefour assured on Tuesday that it complies with the current regulations on product traceability and labelling. The company issued this statement after the Spanish growers' organization COAG and the consumer association CECU filed a complaint. Both organizations want the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to investigate the supermarket sales of cherry tomatoes grown in Western Sahara, but labeled as Moroccan.
According to sources within Carrefour, the supermarket chain complies with all obligations regarding product origin and traceability. The company also says it is prepared to immediately implement any new government regulations.
The controversy revolves around the company Azura, which has more than 400 hectares of greenhouses in Western Sahara. According to COAG and CECU, Azura sells cherry tomatoes from this region to various EU countries, labeled originating from Morocco. According to the COAG and CECU, these products have been found in Carrefour establishments in Spain.
COAG and CECU want consumers to be more clearly informed about the true origins of products. They are demanding compliance with rulings by the European Court of Justice, which previously raised concerns about trade agreements with Morocco that also included goods from Western Sahara. COAG insists that the EU-Morocco Association Agreement violates European regulations for the labeling of fruits and vegetables, and thus also consumer rights.
Source: agroinformacion.com
