A pizzeria in Italy has come under heavy criticism for charging extra for leaving out an ingredient.

The practice was made public by top swimmer Elena Di Liddo after she was charged not only the €14 (about $16).

She listed on the menu for a pizza tricolore in the southern Italian town of Bisceglie but also an additional €1.50 with the note “no pomodorini” (no tomatoes).

Ms Di Liddo also had to pay an additional €1.50 because she had ordered a lactose-free version.

The 31-year-old Olympian then posted the bill on her Instagram account, writing that “paying €1.50 for something I didn’t even eat is truly sad and shameful.

“Is this legal?”

The case was picked up by several Italian newspapers on Monday.

The pizzeria that charged the extra fee did not initially comment.

Restaurants in Italy have repeatedly run into problems in recent years because of similar practices, including having to pay extra at the counter for a small glass of tap water with coffee.

There has also been anger about being charged extra for halving a toasted sandwich, asking for a spoon, or requesting a glass of ice cubes. 

(dpa/NAN)