The seizures were carried out in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, during an inspection of food transport, when “two transports of fruit in bulk – oranges and avocados – were detected from two economic operators engaged in the transport of goods”, which were the target of administrative offense proceedings, ASAE specified in a statement.

Transporters did not have “any documentation” with the mandatory identification of “origin, variety and category of fruit”, explained the authority that guarantees compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.

“As a result, two administrative offense proceedings were initiated and 23.5 tonnes of oranges originating in Spain and destined for Silves were seized, as well as 650 kilograms of avocado originating in the Algarve”.

ASAE ensured, through the teams from the Southern Regional Unit – Operational Unit of Faro, a district to which Vila Real de Santo António belongs, compliance with the standards of “correct consumer information” and the “adding of mandatory mentions on product labelling, namely the identification of the origin of oranges from Spain”.

“The total value of the seizure is estimated at 6,700 euros”, quantified the ASAE, mentioning the contribution made by the GNR to the road inspection operation carried out.