A serious allegation was made on Monday during the “Mesimeri kai Kati” programme on SIGMA TV, concerning the mislabelling of dangerous imported produce as Cypriot and its distribution in the market.
The President of the Paralimni Agricultural Produce Distribution Cooperative (SEDIGEP), Mr Giorgos Ttakkas, reported a specific incident in Nicosia where, on Friday, they caught individuals in the act of illegally repackaging imported perishables into Cypriot-labelled crates. “This is illegal!” he stressed, expressing his frustration at the lack of action from the Ministry of Commerce. Despite an immediate report, he said, there was no meaningful response from the relevant authorities.
Imports of unsuitable products from Egypt and Turkey
Mr Ttakkas spoke about imports of perishables from non-EU countries, such as Egypt and Turkey, where he claims banned hormones are used. “They rightly banned hormones here. Yet we import produce from Egypt and Turkey that contains hormones — humans shouldn’t be eating this stuff. And no one in this country seems to care. No one.”
When asked what kinds of products are involved, he responded, “Various. Tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges — everything,” and confirmed that these items have already reached consumers’ plates. “These things have already been consumed,” he said.
Inadequate fines – Call for legal reform
Mr Ttakkas stated that offenders are currently only subject to minor fines of around €800 and called for harsher penalties. He proposed increasing fines to €10,000 or €20,000 to put an end to this illegal practice.
In another serious revelation, he said their information links a senior government official to the illegal imports. According to Mr Ttakkas, it is not a Minister, but someone serving under one. “I can’t reveal a name — we need 100% confirmation first,” he added.
Appeal to the European Union
Due to the inaction of the Cypriot authorities, SEDIGEP plans to turn to the European Union. Mr Ttakkas said they will consult their lawyer on Wednesday and inform the EU Commissioner about the import scandal. “We have no other choice,” he concluded.
Source: Economy Today
