The European Union penalized Mondelez, the maker of Oreo biscuits, USD 366 million for manipulating the market.

The US-based food business Mondelez International, which produces Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate and Oreo biscuits, has been punished by the European Commission for violating EU competition laws by obstructing the cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products between Member States.

The corporation has been fined Euro 337.5 million (about USD 366 million), according to the website of the European Commission.

According to the EU’s executive arm, which was cited by Euro News on Thursday, the corporation is accused of impeding the sale of its products between EU member states.

According to the results of the Commission’s investigation, Mondelez violated EU competition laws by participating in coordinated or anticompetitive agreements that restricted the flow of different chocolate, biscuit, and coffee products across international borders and by abusing its dominant position in some national markets for the sale of chocolate tablets.

Food costs vary throughout Member States. Cross-border trade among Member States in the internal market has the potential to reduce costs and enhance product availability for consumers.

This is particularly crucial during periods of rising inflation. According to today’s ruling, Mondelēz unlawfully restricted sales across EU borders.

To the prejudice of consumers, Mondelez used this action to maintain higher prices for its products. As a result, Mondelēz has been penalized €337.5 million, according to Margrethe Vestager, the executive vice president in charge of competition policy.