Dangerous toxins in almonds

AS reported in a statement from the Guardia Civil on Saturday, May 20, a joint operation with the Tax Agency saw 25 tons of almonds with very dangerous toxins seized in Spain.

‘Operation Nuts’ was conducted in the Spanish territories of Mal lorca and Alicante. As a result, three Spanish nationals were arrested along with a Dutch citizen. They were detained for the alleged crimes of forgery of documents and against public health.

The operation was launched last January following the arrival in Spain of 25 tons of almonds from Australia.

Once the almonds arrived in Alicante, an analysis of the fruit was carried out, with very high levels of aflatoxins being found. The importer of the shipment was subsequently informed they had to be destroyed.

Residing on Mallorca, this individual undertook to do so and requested au­ thorisation for the transfer of the cargo to Mallorca. However, once the almonds arrived in Mallorca, those responsible for transporting the merchandise allegedly broke the seal of the container. Instead of destroying the almonds, they replaced the merchandise with shells of other almonds with a similar volume. Fake certificates were then obtained for the goods.