The National Police yesterday confirmed that they have seized over 2,000 kilos of food, which was either out of date or in a poor condition, from a food distribution company (Cárnicas Luis) on the Son Bugadelles industrial estate in Santa Ponsa.
The police reported yesterday that Operation Pork resulted in the arrest of four people from the same family who will have to answer for the poor quality food and for apparent labour abuse.
According to the police, who have been investigating the company since January, staff were being made to work for 84 hours a week and were paid between 1,000 and 1,200 euros a month with no overtime or holiday rights. Staff were also being sacked for falling ill or suffering an accident at work and were forced to drive vehicles not fit to be on the road.
The majority of people employed by the company were in fear of losing their jobs because they needed the money. Their employment status was therefore highly precarious.
The police also say that employees have told them that they were instructed to wash away mould from meat using bleach and KH7, a de-greasing cleaning product. Furthermore, employees report that there were rats in the storage facilities.