The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), through inspections of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, visited more than 390 food sellers in a single month’s time, as confirmed by PVD.
Inspectors found violations in 40% cases. The uncovered violations were mostly related to misleading information about products’ country of origin and overall quality, the service explains.
During inspections, PVD inspectors focused on traceability of fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, including information on accompanying documents and labels, information about the country of origin and other information provided to consumers, as well as the quality and storage conditions of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries.
PVD representatives note that in 15% of inspections it was found out that consumers are either not provided information about the country of origin or the information that is provided is misleading.
In 10% of cases it was found that the country of origin listed on labels was different than the country listed in accompanying documents. In 8% of cases no information about the country of origin could be found.
In 15% of cases PVD inspectors found damaged or low quality fruits and vegetables being sold. In 4% of cases packaged fruits and vegetables were found to have inappropriate labels. In 3% of cases inspectors found violations of hygiene requirements.
Violations with misleading information as to the country of origin of sold products were found most often in food stores, less often at markets and street stalls.
In 19 cases PVD ordered the removal of food products from circulation. In nine cases PVD issued fines for uncovered violations.
PVD will continue intensely monitoring the sales of fresh fruits, vegetables and berries.
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