Jun 6, 2005 9:51 AM, from staff and wire reports

Chiquita Brands International Inc has admitted that some of its employees broke European competition laws by sharing pricing and fruit shipment volume information with rival firms.

The producer and distributor of bananas and other fruits and vegetables also said some workers in a Latin American nation shared details about fruit volume exported from that nation to North America, though the company said it did not consider this conduct damaging to competition.

An internal compliance program brought about the findings in Europe and Latin America, Chiquita said.

The company has informed the European Commission of its findings and plans to cooperate with a probe by the commission, which has granted Chiquita immunity from fines resulting from the investigation. Chiquita has notified United States and Canadian regulatory officials about the Latin American activity, and said it would fully cooperate in any government investigation that may arise.