An investigative segment aired on Rai 3’s "Report" on February 9, 2020, has ignited controversy surrounding the Lavazza plant located in Gattinara, Italy. The report alleges improper recycling practices involving coffee from discarded capsules, raising serious concerns about product contamination.
The segment, produced by Bernardo Iovene, features allegations from an anonymous former employee who claims the plant mixes various types of coffee, including decaffeinated coffee and leftovers from defective capsules, without proper quality checks. According to this source, "Cialde che vengono recuperate, ma sono contaminate," which translates to "The capsules are recovered, but are contaminated." This disturbing assertion has led to fear and skepticism among consumers who value Lavazza's reputation for quality.
Vice Mayor Daniele Baglione has vehemently defended Lavazza, stating, "Chi conosce lo stabilimento e le modalità in cui si opera al suo interno... ha trovato di fronte ad un'incredibile mistificazione della realtà... pattume mediatico prodotto con i soldi pubblici," which can be translated as, “Whoever knows the plant and its operating methods... has faced an incredible distortion of reality... media waste produced with public money.” Baglione’s harsh criticism reflects significant local support for Lavazza, which employs around 500 people and is seen as integral to the community's economy.
The opposition suggests this practice might have been occurring for nearly three years and now poses risks to consumer health. The report indicates the mishandling of rejected coffee materials, previously sold as fertilizer, now ends up mixed, packaged, and sold so consumers may unknowingly purchase compromised coffee products.
Labor unions representing employees at the Gattinara plant, including CGIL, CISL, and UIL, expressed surprise upon watching the segment, declaring they had never received complaints about the production practices highlighted. This has led to skepticism about the integrity of the employee’s claims, posing questions about oversight and transparency within the company.
Lavazza itself has responded to these accusations, insisting on its strict adherence to quality and safety measures. The company stated, "La qualità e la sicurezza del prodotto costituiscono per il Gruppo Lavazza elementi assolutamente imprescindibili…" which translates to, "The quality and safety of the product are absolute imperatives for the Lavazza Group." Lavazza's officials assert their production processes involve rigorous controls to prevent any compromise of product integrity, expressing commitment to maintaining the high standards associated with their brand.
Despite the assertions from both the Vice Mayor and Lavazza, local consumers are left grappling with uncertainty about what exactly they might be consuming. The report has raised additional questions about labeling practices and consumer rights, as many feel they deserve clarity over the contents of the coffee they purchase. Should consumers be informed if their coffee contains remnants of mixed varieties?
With the debate gaining momentum, it remains to be seen how Lavazza will address the public's concerns and whether they will implement any changes at the Gattinara site. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about transparency and corporate responsibility, particularly for companies with such significant local and international reputations.
Individuals and community leaders await Lavazza's next steps, with indications of potential legal actions against the network involved and debates over the accuracy and ethics of documentary reporting. The Gattinara plant's future processes and the standard of coffee products consumers may expect are now under scrutiny.