As part of its joint control campaigns with security forces and municipal services, the National Food Safety Authority (INSSPA) announced this morning the seizure of more than 29 tonnes of food and nearly 4,000 liters of water unfit for consumption in several governorates of the country.
Massive seizures in Nabeul and Tunis
In Nabeul, agents of the central mobile brigade intercepted 13.2 tonnes of spoiled food products, including a large quantity of red squash stored in deplorable conditions: advanced fermentation, nauseating odors and traces of rodents and birds. The whole thing was destroyed and a legal report was drawn up.
In Tunis, controllers got their hands on 11.8 tonnes of food products and 1000 liters of water. Among the seizures were 10 tons of brined olives infested with worms and mold, 456 cans of rotten harissa, 120 kg of spices contaminated by insects, and 1.5 tons of fish in a state of decomposition. Well water intended for sale without authorization or health analyzes was also confiscated.
Ben Arous and Zaghouan: meat and water stored illegally
In the governorate of Ben Arous, joint operations with the National Guard and the municipal police allowed the seizure of 343.5 kg of foodstuffs and 3,117 liters of mineral water exposed to heat. Five citations and three written warnings were issued to the offenders.
In Zaghouan, inspectors discovered rotten meat and merguez stored in a coal shed, as well as lambs’ heads from clandestine slaughter. Several businesses have been closed for serious breaches of hygiene rules.
Béja, Bizerte and Sidi Bouzid also affected
In the northwest, in Béja, a control campaign linked to the Testour Pomegranate Festival revealed the presence of 600 kg of contaminated artisanal cheeses and 100 kg of margarine stored in non-food plastic containers.
In Bizerte, 210 kg of rotten peaches were destroyed after inspection of weekly markets.
Finally, in Sidi Bouzid, 260 kg of fish transported without a cold chain or health certificate were seized and destroyed on the orders of the authorities.
“Consumer health is an absolute priority.” The INSSPA reaffirmed in its press release that control operations will continue in a regular and reinforced manner throughout the territory, adding that any person involved in the marketing of expired or contaminated food products will be brought to justice.
Also read: More than 4.5 tonnes of spoiled food seized in Tunisia
