The balance of the spring 2023 seasonal food chain inspection has been completed

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During the period of almost one month, 2,610 inspections were carried out, which resulted in warnings in 29 cases and fines in 208 cases. The authority imposed a fine of HUF 16.4 million. Of the more than 12,000 food items examined, 579 items, totaling 11.6 tons, had to be withdrawn from circulation. The series of spring inspections from March 14 to April 10, 2023 was performed by dr. It was ordered by Márton Nobilis, the State Secretary responsible for the food industry and trade policy of the Ministry of Agriculture. The action took place under the direction of the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), and the inspections were carried out by experts from the Nébih and district offices. Taking Easter food traditions into account, the investigations focused on smoked meat products, eggs, cold kitchen products, confectionery products, vegetables and fruits, and alcoholic beverages. The inspections covered both the areas of production, distribution and hospitality.

The authorities have punished in several cases

Márton Nobilis pointed out that the experts decided to limit the activity 19 times due to the deficiencies and irregularities discovered in the food production and distribution facilities. During the inspection of the various facilities, the inspectors mostly revealed hygiene deficiencies, despite this, it can be said that this year’s results in this area show a positive trend compared to last year. During the inspection of 12,474 domestic and foreign food items, problems arose in connection with the expiration of the shelf life and quality preservation period, as well as with follow-up and marking. Compared to 2022, the specialists decided to withdraw twice as many products, a total of 11.6 tons, worth more than HUF 7 million, from circulation in order to ensure that Hungarian consumers can only find safe food in the trade, the state secretary concluded.

These products have been verified

Regarding the results of the laboratory tests of the series of inspections, the state secretary highlighted that 97 food samples (48 marinated, smoked, raw ham and 49 cold kitchen products) and 61 egg dyes were checked in the Nébih laboratories. In the course of this, 14 objections were raised against the hams due to the salt content, while 3 products were objected to during the microbiological examination of the cold kitchen products. The examination of egg dyes ended with marking problems found in 2 products. In the case of all complained products, an official procedure will be carried out. Based on the results, Márton Nobilis emphasized that the seasonal food chain inspection, which dates back to several decades of tradition, fulfilled the expectations attached to it this year as well: it effectively contributed to the fact that the Hungarian people could spend the holidays eating safe food.

A.M