Italian food safety crackdown sees seizures and fines in Catania and nationwide

A task force coordinated by the Italian State Police carried out extensive checks in Catania, seizing more than 400 kg of food products, imposing fines exceeding €20,000 and closing an illegal food‑distribution business. The operation involved the Flying Squad, forestal corps, labor inspectorate, veterinary and public‑health services, and resulted in the confiscation of animal products, fruit and vegetables that lacked traceability, many of which were later donated to charity.

Nationally, the Ispettorato per il Controllo Qualità e Regolamentazione Alimentare (ICQRF) presented its 2025 report, detailing nearly 500 seizures valued at over €47.8 million, 55 000 checks across the agro‑food chain, more than 10 800 analytical examinations and 367 039 determinations on 55 314 products. The report highlighted increased inspections of unfair commercial practices, DOP/IGP certifications and the vitivinicultural sector, underscoring the agency’s role in safeguarding food safety and consumer confidence.