22. 10. 10. - 16:08

Truffles offence extends Austrian's stay in Croatia

A Viennese man has been fined in Croatia for trying to take purchased truffles to Austria.

Klaus H. told Austrian newspapers today (Fri) he had been unaware that every export of the delicacy – he bought 130 grams for 60 Euros at a market – must be reported to Croatian officials.

The 44-year-old was ordered to spend a further two days in the country to attend a hearing when he tried to cross the Croatian-Slovenia border at Buje last weekend.

The man tried to solve the matter by suggesting to pay a fine on the spot, but custom officials confiscated his passport. He was fined 170 Euros by a court in Umag.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Austrian province of Carinthia said the local Alpine administration confiscated around 350 kilograms of illegally collected mushrooms this summer.

According to provincial bylaw, people must not pick more than two kilos of mushrooms a day per capita during the picking season which starts in June and ends in September. People who breach the rules – similar to regulations in the province of Salzburg – face fines of up to 7,260 Euros.

Carinthian mountain authority staff are allowed to check people’s luggage and car boots if they suspect a case of excessive mushroom picking. The officials are also eligible to detain offenders if they refuse to pay or identify themselves.