A law enforcement operation named ‘Gomas Hilariantes’ targeted seven commercial establishments in Funchal, Ponta do Sol, and Machico following several consumer complaints about adverse reactions after consuming gummies and cakes containing the substance hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), announced the Regional Economy Secretariat.
As a result of the operation, 474 products valued at 10,094.64 euros were seized, and five misdemeanor proceedings were initiated, the statement noted.
In total, 16 infractions were detected, including five related to the authenticity, quality, or composition of foodstuffs and food additives, and four due to non-compliance with the obligation to provide information about foodstuffs that could mislead consumers.
The remaining infractions involved failure to include mandatory information on food labeling (four), absence of Portuguese language labeling (two), and failure to display prices (one).
The statement read, “HHC can be found in small quantities in the pollen and seeds of ‘cannabis.’ However, it is usually produced in a laboratory through the hydrogenation of other cannabinoids, and its consumption is associated with psychoactive effects.”
According to ARAE, it will “continue to exert all necessary efforts to safeguard public health and consumer rights,” with investigations ongoing and the misdemeanor proceedings following their normal course.
The ‘Gomas Hilariantes’ operation included the participation of 12 ARAE inspectors and one legal advisor, along with 15 PSP officers.
