In response to the investigation, supermarkets like Tesco and Rewe have launched internal inquiries, with Tesco suspending supply and Rewe withdrawing affected products.

Xinjiang is responsible for producing about one-third of the world's tomatoes, a situation compounded by its association with a mass detention program that began in 2017.

Among the tested products were well-known brands such as Tesco's 'Italian Tomato Purée', Asda's double concentrate, and Waitrose's 'Essential Tomato Purée', all raising questions about their true origins.

The United Nations has credible reports indicating that around one million Muslims are detained in camps in Xinjiang, with claims of torture and crimes against humanity.

An undercover investigation revealed that a general manager at Petti acknowledged the potential use of Chinese tomatoes, indicating a willingness to compromise on sourcing despite public denials.

A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered that several UK supermarkets are selling 'Italian' tomato purees that may actually contain tomatoes sourced from China's Xinjiang province, where serious allegations of forced labor persist.

The report underscores a gap in regulatory practices between the US and Europe regarding forced labor, with the UK facing criticism for its inadequate laws on the matter.

The investigation tested 64 different tomato purees, revealing that 17 of these products contained Chinese tomatoes, raising significant concerns about the integrity of their supply chains.

Despite assurances from the Petti group that they would no longer import tomatoes from China, the investigation highlights potential issues with their supply chain, including the possibility of shell companies.

Antonio Petti, a major Italian importer, has reportedly received over 36 million kilograms of tomato paste from Xinjiang suppliers between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the complex supply chain involved.

The investigation utilized shipping data to trace the route of Xinjiang tomatoes to Europe, primarily passing through Kazakhstan and Georgia.

Experts warn that these findings reflect systemic problems within the food supply chain, emphasizing the hidden costs associated with low-priced supermarket products.