AM: first results of winter seasonal food chain inspection available

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 10. 09:58

Food safety and consumer protection will also receive significant attention during the 2024 winter holiday season: the winter seasonal food chain inspection ordered by Márton Nobilis, the Secretary of State for Food Economy and Agricultural Vocational Training, has been underway since December 9. During the initiative, which will last until the end of the year, experts traditionally examine target areas and products related to Christmas and the winter holiday season. The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) has already completed the summary of the results so far after the first phase of the inspection, the Ministry of Agriculture (AM) told MTI.

The Secretary of State explained that the staff of the county and district government offices will carry out the coordinated national action lasting more than three weeks with the experts and guidance of Nébih.

In the complex series of inspections, in line with the holiday season, catering will receive special attention in addition to food production and distribution. The professional inspection also covers the range of products that are popular at this time of year.

Márton Nobilis explained that in the case of food production, facility and food inspections are primarily carried out in connection with the production of meat and meat products. The focus of the inspection of distribution in shops, markets, temporary sales points, and Advent and Christmas fairs is the sale of fresh meat and live fish, which is very popular during Christmas. In the case of the sale of confectionery products, the inspectors inspect their expiration date and traceability.

The priority inspection of catering takes place primarily at Advent and Christmas events.

The main aspects include ensuring hygiene, the adequacy of personal and technical conditions, the expiration date, marking and traceability of the foods offered for sale.

Mulled wine is an indispensable part of the winter holiday fairs and events, where the focus is on the product sheet containing the recipe and the examination of the origin of the ingredients.

The winter campaign also includes checking the origin and traceability of seasonal vegetables and fruits.

In addition to food, Nébih also examines winter wild bird food.