NKFH-NAV: joint action to strengthen food safety and combat food counterfeiting

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 09. 12:21

The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH) in cooperation with the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) participated in the international OPSON operation, organized by INTERPOL and EUROPOL in the fight against food counterfeiting; more than 100 violations were revealed during the inspection, the NKFH told MTI on Wednesday.

Customs authorities and food safety experts from different countries cooperate in the operation to protect consumers.

The aim was to increase the safety of the food chain, to detect counterfeit or substandard food and to withdraw it from circulation, and to monitor compliance with European and national legislation

– the NKFH explained.

The inspections carried out within the framework of OPSON paid particular attention to compliance with food safety and consumer protection regulations.

It was emphasized that food counterfeiting not only causes economic damage, but can also pose a serious health risk to consumers. Counterfeit or improperly labeled products can mislead customers, cause allergic reactions, or even serious health problems.

As part of the operation, NKFH employees inspected a total of 113 product lots in three inspected units. More than 100 violations were detected, 26 items were immediately withdrawn from circulation due to expired shelf life, while various labeling deficiencies were identified in 87 items, so the distribution of these products was subject to additional conditions. Fines are being imposed for the violations detected

– they added.