Carabinieri from the Parma Agri-food protection Unit have seized over 9 tons of illicit plant protection products and cited 40 administrative violations for irregularities found in the area
Officers from the Parma-based Carabinieri Unit for Agri-food Protection have concluded a major inter-regional inspection operation. This initiative was part of a comprehensive series of checks conducted over the last six months to verify the proper management of plant protection products, with a particular focus on safeguarding consumer health.
The operation was carried out as part of targeted inspections aligned with operational guidelines established by the Steering Committee for Administrative Controls (an operational coordination body within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry).
The intervention, aimed at combating the use of substances that have been banned or lack authorization for both organic and conventional farming, covered the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In total, 97 on-site inspections were conducted, uncovering illicit practices that posed potential risks to human health, the environment, and biodiversity.
At the conclusion of the operation, the owner of a business was reported to the competent judicial authority—while remaining at liberty—for the illicit management of hazardous waste, following the discovery of 35 different types of revoked pesticides that had been stored improperly.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over 9.2 tons of illegal products valued at approximately €372,000, as well as the issuance of 40 administrative violation notices carrying fines totaling more than €263,000. This operational outcome underscores the ongoing commitment of the Carabinieri dedicated to the agri-food sector (a branch of the CUFAA—Carabinieri Forestry, Environmental, and Agri-food Units Command), particularly regarding consumer protection, the safeguarding of “Made in Italy” products, and the prevention of food fraud.
Title: Over 9 tonnes of illicit plant protection products seized
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Source: Carabinieri di Parma
