The control teams falling under the national body of food security for food products, in coordination with the various parties concerned – in particular the trade services, the National Guard, the Security and the Municipal Police – seized approximately 4,523 kg of damaged and improper foodstuffs for consumption In several governorates, authority announced on Monday.
In a press release, the body said that mixed control teams have seized nearly 160 kg of frozen foodstuffs In the governorate of Tunis due to non-compliance with storage temperatures, following a refrigerator failure. The goods concerned included poultry, fish and frozen seafood, puff pastry, frozen vegetables as well as compound salads. A report has been drawn up pending the completion of legal procedures.
The control operations carried out in the KEF governorate led to the seizure of more than 3,200 kg of rotten or damaged fruits and vegetablesincluding squash, apples, tomatoes, lemons and grapes. These products unfit for consumption were exposed to the wholesale KEF fruits and vegetables.
In the governorate of Jendouba, the teams seized 46 kg of frozen poultry under unsanitary conditions,, in addition to 480 kg of margarine and 20 kg of butter Storped out of refrigeration in a wholesale food company of foodstuffs, in flagrant violation of conservation conditions.
In Sousse, a joint control campaign has made it possible to seize various foodstuffs unfit for consumption, including red and white meat, lamb heads, seafood, rotten fruits and vegetables, but also cheese, white sauce (mayonnaise), yogurts, liquid sweeteners and outdated spices.
The National Health Security Authority underlined in the same press release that “these seized quantities do not only represent economic losses, but also constitute a real danger to the health of citizens”, reiterating its appeal to all stakeholders and professionals to scrupulously respect hygiene rules as well as storage and distribution conditions.
She also invited consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing foodstuffs and to report any offense likely to threaten their security.