Gangsters blamed for dodgy NYE seafood

Italian authorities have seized some 500 tonnes of bad seafood and shellfish believed to be largely destined for New Year's Eve dinner parties.

Agriculture Minister Luca Zaia said that worms were found in some of the fish seized across Italy between December 10-23.

In other cases, mussels defrosted months earlier were passed off as fresh, and fish coming from Asia was passed off as domestic.

Zaia described the food as "garbage" including brine jellyfish, and said organised crime was likely behind it.

- AP