More than 25 tons of spoiled meat were seized. Governor of Attica: “We are not playing with public health”

During control checks in Attica, 25.6 tons of meat declared unfit for consumption were discovered. Since the establishment of control mechanisms, this is the largest amount ever opened and confiscated.

The Department of Veterinary Health of the Directorate of Agricultural and Veterinary Policy (DAKP), as part of the operational plan for intensive control of food of animal origin implemented in the Attica region during the holiday period, discovered large-scale violations.

25,670 kg of spoiled meat and its by-products were identified at meat enterprises: storage limits exceeded, required labeling was missing. This is the largest volume identified since the establishment of control mechanisms in the region. The violations identified and the actions taken provide convincing evidence of the protection of public health and Attica consumers, writes newsbeast.gr.

The procedure for imposing the established administrative penalty has begun. The regional governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, stated:

“Protecting public health and consumer safety are our highest priorities. We don't “play” with healthcare! We are committed to continuing strict controls at every stage of the food processing and distribution chain. We are here to ensure that the rules are strictly followed.”

On December 9, 2024, the regional governor of Attica sent a written “extremely urgent” order to the General Directorates: Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, Health and Social Protection, while simultaneously informing the vice-governors of all regions. It said:

“In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the market and protect consumers, we ask you to strengthen inspections of all institutions and enterprises under your jurisdiction, during all their operating hours, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the existing legislative framework. Inspections should be carried out in all areas where there is consumer traffic during the holiday period. After completing these inspections, please report their results (number of inspections for each category of business/activity, violations identified, administrative penalties imposed).”

According to the Main Directorate of Agricultural Economics, Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, for the period from December 11 to December 23, 2024, the following were carried out:

• 452 audits of plant-based foods resulting in 38 recommendations.
• 376 inspections of food products of animal origin, during which 9 seizures were recorded (1800 eggs, 482.95 kg of meat and semi-finished products), and 98 recommendations were made.
• 29 inspections at slaughterhouses.
• 48 inspections of control points over the movement of animals for slaughter.
• ⁠63 inspections of food facilities of animal origin, during which 4 cases of seizures were identified (total weight of meat and semi-finished products 2941 kg) and 19 recommendations were made.
• 366 – export controls.

By decision of the competent committees, 11 decisions imposing fines were issued.

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