According to a Europol report, counterfeit food products including cookies, pasta, chips, sweets, and alcoholic beverages pose a serious public health threat in the EU. Dangerous substances such as methanol and mercury have been found in these products. Operation Opson, led by Europol and Interpol, resulted in the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit food and drinks and the dismantling of criminal networks. Counterfeiting causes significant economic losses, including loss of revenue and jobs. The EU promotes geographical indications as a key tool in fighting counterfeiting. The campaign “What’s on your table?” aims to educate consumers and support legitimate producers. EUIPO cooperates with police and judicial institutions to combat this threat.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the public health risks posed by counterfeit food and drinks, highlighting the presence of dangerous substances and the impact on consumer safety. They also focus on the need for stronger regulations and support for workers affected by economic losses due to counterfeiting.
Center: Center-leaning sources provide a balanced view, reporting on the scale of the problem, the economic impact, and the efforts by EU institutions like Europol and EUIPO to combat counterfeiting. They highlight the importance of consumer education and the role of geographical indications in protecting authentic products.
Right: Right-leaning media stress the criminal aspect of food and drink counterfeiting, focusing on the involvement of organized crime and the need for strict law enforcement. They emphasize the economic damage to legitimate businesses and the importance of protecting national and European brands from illegal competition.
