This crime prevention operation, developed by the Northern Regional Unit, was targeted at the municipalities of Póvoa do Varzim and Barcelos, said ASAE in a statement.

According to the same source, a total of 303 five-litre bottles of cooking oil were detected, most of which did not have any label identifying the product being sold, as well as several packages with labelling that did not comply with the legislation.

ASAE reported that a criminal case was opened for fraud involving goods and two administrative offence cases for lack of traceability and non-compliance with the labelling of foodstuffs, with 1,505 litres of cooking oil, several labels referring to the name of olive oil and a vehicle being seized, all worth more than 12,000 euros.

Following this operation, a defendant was charged and required to provide identity and residence information, said ASAE, adding that samples of all detected products were collected and will be sent to its food safety laboratory.

ASAE also warned consumers to be aware of products offered at prices below expectations, which could mislead consumers into selling other substances such as olive oil.