Food police hit at fizz fraudsters

Italy’s food police have popped the cork on fraudsters passing off fake champagne to tourists. The Ministry of Health sent inspectors to hotels, campsites and farm stays and seized 300 bottles of fake champagne. Seventeen sites were shut down. The fraud squad found that 45 per cent of businesses had flouted the rules by selling fake champers as well as serving out-of-date fish that was potentially fatal. Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said it was crucial to protect the Made In Italy brand. “Italian and foreign tourists expect the best from our country,” she said, “quality products prepared according to the Italian traditional way.”