Prosecutors will hang on to a sample of the prized sturgeon eggs worth a total of 400,000 euros (557,000 dollars) for the investigation, while the rest will be given to charities to give to the poor.

"Testing confirmed that the caviar was perfectly edible and we thought of giving a Christmas present to those who cannot offer one to themselves," Juri Mantegazza, the official who carried out the seizure, told the newspaper.

Charities seemed to grudgingly accept the gift.

"All donations are accepted," Father Virginio Colmegna of Charity House told the paper. "However, we must remember that the poor are in need of rights and dignity, more so than luxury products."