Brussels, 20/12/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has given explications on fraud involving adulterated butter brought to notice by the Italian police with the help of OLAF (see EUROPE of 7 July). The adulterated butter produced in southern Italy by an organised criminal network is reported to have been sold above all in France and in Belgium, but also in Germany. "It was discovered that a number of possibly adulterated shipments were made to Germany prior to April 1999", states OLAF. Nonetheless, the Anti-Fraud Office gives its assurance that analyses have shown that there is no risk for consumer health. Losses for the Community budget, due to unjustified subsidies for the butter, are estimated at several million euros, states OLAF. Some buyers "were atracted by the cheaper price of this product and the possibilities of obtaining further gains through the Community disposal measures and export refunds in respect of butterfat", states OLAF. Several inquiries are still in progress.