New results of the winter seasonal food chain inspection have arrived

Nébih inspectors have recently conducted a comprehensive inspection in a game processing facility in 5 counties. In four cases, neither hygiene nor documentation deficiencies were detected, and the affected units operated in accordance with the law. However, the operation of a plant in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County was suspended with immediate effect due to the serious violations that were detected, posing a food safety risk. More than 3 tons of food were withdrawn from circulation by the experts.

Due to the higher risk associated with increasing demand and production, fish processing was also included in the seasonal inspections. Nébih carried out a full inspection in 5 fishery product manufacturing plants. Among other things, the experts examined the origin data of the raw materials (live or unprocessed fish), traceability, but also assessed the hygiene status of the plants and the supervision of the HACCP critical points. Minor deficiencies occurred in two plants that could be remedied immediately, primarily documentation deficiencies.

In recent weeks, a total of 40 live fish sales units have been inspected by district office specialists in 17 counties. The distribution points included hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialist shops, markets and temporary vendors. During the inspections, the authority primarily examined compliance with animal protection regulations. The keeping of the fish, the method of stunning, the condition of the pools, the quality of the water and the record-keeping complied with the legislation. There were no damaged fish, the stocking density was appropriate, and no deficiencies or violations were found, so no further action was necessary.

The wine inspectors inspected mulled wines, Christmas punches and other alcoholic beverages sold near ice rinks and at Christmas markets. They visited a total of 36 establishments in 13 counties across the country. The hygiene status of the inspected units met the legal requirements, and the authority found hygiene deficiencies in only 2 cases. It is a positive experience that the service staff everywhere had the mandatory health qualification document. The 43 inspected alcoholic beverage lots were traceable, and laboratory tests on the products are still in progress.

Nébih inspectors examined 3 large-scale and 12 small-scale beers selected by risk analysis and preliminary error detection in the “beer” or “flavored beer” category. In addition to laboratory and sensory tests, the product sheets, markings and traceability were also checked for each sampled lot. Finally, minor marking errors were found in 12 cases (3 large-scale and 9 small-scale beers), and the labels are being repaired. In the case of one product, the withdrawal of the affected beer from circulation was initiated due to the use of unauthorized preservatives.

During the winter seasonal inspection, Nébih experts have inspected 58 primary producers at 10 locations, primarily in rural cities, markets around Budapest and the capital. Among other things, they examined the legality of the activity, the origin of the products, and the veracity of the data in the register. It can be said that primary producers typically comply with the rules, but in several cases minor irregularities occurred, such as failure to indicate the FELIR and activity identifier. There was also an example of the distribution of products that were not declared in the register, in which case an on-site inspection was also carried out at the place of production. In two cases, proceedings were initiated: one vendor had already been banned by the authority from primary producer activities, and the other vendor also distributed purchased products, including southern fruits, as a primary producer, putting real primary producers at a disadvantage.

Food chain safety inspectors will be conducting inspections throughout December 31st to ensure a smooth holiday season.