More than 550 packages of various products containing cannabis extracts, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been seized. The operation, termed Gummy, took place in the Algarve region, where an individual was named a suspect and subjected to a measure of identity and residence.
A statement issued reveals that packages of cookies, gummies, lollipops, teas, chewing gums, soft drinks, oils, supplements, 9 kilograms of food products, and 120 liters of beer were confiscated.
The seizure was carried out during a criminal prevention operation conducted by the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE), focusing on verifying the compliance of foodstuff commercialization containing extracts of the ‘Cannabis Sativa’ plant.
“The action led to the initiation of six criminal cases for the commercialization of falsified foodstuffs and corruption of food substances. Additionally, two administrative offense cases were filed for non-compliance with labeling regulations, specifically the failure to translate mandatory information into Portuguese”, the statement read.
As ASAE notes, “the ‘Cannabis Sativa’ extracts with CBD concentrations are considered novel foods and, under the EU Regulation, require safety evaluations to assess potential risks to consumers’ life or physical integrity.”
This operation also involved personnel from the National Republican Guard of Albufeira.
“ASAE will continue to conduct supervision activities within its competencies across the national territory, in favor of fair and loyal competition among economic operators, ensuring food safety and public health for consumers,” the authority reaffirmed in a statement.
This is not the first instance of such a seizure by ASAE in recent months; in June, cakes and gummies with HHC were seized in seven establishments in Madeira.
In collaboration with the Public Security Police (PSP), ASAE then launched an operation in shops in Funchal, Ponta do Sol, and Machico, which led to the confiscation of products containing new psychoactive substances.
As a result of the action, “474 products were seized, valued at 10,094.64 euros, with five administrative proceedings initiated,” stated the released note.
A total of 16 infractions were detected, including five against the authenticity, quality, or composition of foodstuffs and additives, and four for non-compliance with the obligation to provide accurate foodstuff information to consumers.
Other violations were due to a lack of mandatory mentions on the food labeling (four cases), absence of Portuguese labeling (two cases), and omission of price display (one case).
The inspectors further explained the source of HHC: “HHC can be found in small quantities in cannabis pollen and seeds. However, it is usually produced in laboratories through the hydrogenation of other cannabinoids, with its consumption associated with psychoactive effects.”
This operation, named ‘Hilarious Gummies,’ involved 12 ASAE inspectors, one legal advisor, and 15 PSP agents.
