The NKFH has ordered a full Advent food safety inspection in Christmas fairs, markets, shops and temporary sales points.

During the festive period, the number of catering establishments and the turnover of food increases, which poses an increased food safety risk. The aim of the inspection ordered by the NKFH is to examine the compliance of catering establishments with food safety and hygiene regulations during the Christmas fairs. The inspectors pay special attention to heat treatment, storage conditions, traceability and waste management.

The NKFH and government agencies also inspect shops, markets and Advent markets that sell dried fruits, oilseeds and sugar candies in bulk, i.e. in bulk, from a food safety and hygiene perspective. The inspections take place in fixed markets, market halls, retail outlets and temporary sales points.

The reason for the inspections is that in the case of products in bulk, there is a high risk of cross-contamination and lack of traceability, and in seasonal relocations, inadequate hygiene conditions and undocumented origin are common. In addition, aflatoxin contamination is common in the case of oilseeds, sulfur dioxide content and mold in the case of dried fruits, and in the case of sugar candies, mixing, packaging detachment from the product and missing allergen labeling pose risks.

The inspections also include the inspection of batches of domestic and imported nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, chestnuts, peanuts, pistachios, etc.) sold without packaging, as the seasonal increase in turnover increases the risk of distributing products of inadequate quality, incorrect markings, and possible falsification of the place of origin.

The NKFH and government agencies are doing everything they can to protect the health of Hungarian families, which is why food safety and hygiene inspections are continuous during the holiday season.