Teams from the National Agency for Food Product Safety (ANSSPA) seized and destroyed 203,970 tonnes of non-edible food products and closed 32 food establishments open to the public during the first half of Ramadan, according to data published on Sunday.
This result follows 7,519 inspection operations carried out by ANSSPA teams since the beginning of the month, averaging 95 teams per day. These inspections covered more than 6,000 establishments operating in the food sector, as well as 90 laboratory analyses on food products suspected of being unfit for consumption.
ANSSPA also stated that its teams drafted 197 seizure reports, registered 221 cases requiring an investigative report, and issued 464 written warnings.
The food products most frequently seized and destroyed were, first, pickles (40%), followed by dried fruits (19.8%), fish and seafood products (9.1%), then fresh fruits and vegetables (7.4%), and dairy products (4.5%).
Quantities of chocolate and cacao-based products (3.6%), raw materials for confectionery manufacturing (3%), cereals and pasta products (2.1%), meat and its derivatives (4%), spices and flavorings (1.5%), and traditional non-edible confections (1.1%) were also seized.
The main reasons for these seizures were the presence of insects and traces of rodents (35.9%), decomposition and alteration of product properties as well as the presence of mold (31.9%), products past their expiration dates (15.9%), storage and marketing under unhygienic conditions (8%), as well as the absence of labeling (2.2%) and the transport of foodstuffs under unhygienic conditions (1.6%), in addition to other causes (1.5%), such as the use of unsuitable packaging for contact with foods or the presence of products containing prohibited food additives.
ANSSPA confirmed that its interventions would continue throughout the month of Ramadan and urged citizens to purchase their products in regulated spaces, to check expiration dates and the safety of products before purchase, and to avoid unregulated distribution channels and products of dubious provenance or without labeling.
The agency reminded that the toll-free number 80106977 is available to report any violation.
