The Portuguese Food Agency has recently carried out several operations to ensure safety and authenticity in the meat, honey and wine sectors.
The Portuguese Food Safety and Economic Authority (ASAE) carried out several inspections of animal products to check compliance with legal requirements regarding traceability, freezing and packaging procedures in meat processing plants throughout Faro.
During one visit, following an examination by a veterinary expert, suspicions of poor practices in the meat freezing and packaging processes were confirmed. There was also no tracking of fresh meat that was then frozen.
A criminal case was initiated into the seizure of 563 kilograms of frozen meat, the results of which were reported to the relevant judicial authority.
Shellfish and meat
Meanwhile, a nationwide operation targeting operators selling live bivalve molluscs in markets and retail outlets was launched in November to combat crimes against public health and ensure food safety.
A total of 93 enterprises were inspected, and one criminal case was initiated. Other issues related to the marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, traceability, lot and weight information, and non-compliance with hygiene requirements. During Operation Mercury, more than 68 kilograms of food and 12 scales were confiscated.
During Operation Butcher, ASAE regional units conducted a national investigation focusing on meat products and any fraud that misled the consumer.
A total of 152 operators were tested. Violations were identified that resulted in the initiation of criminal cases of secret murder and 38 warnings were issued about administrative offenses. More than 82 kilograms of food were seized due to non-compliance with meat traceability and labeling rules.
Actions of wine and honey
Another investigation focused on the authenticity and quality of wines with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Vila Real.
During a visit to a wine bottling, marketing and export facility, a false wall was discovered hiding the area where Douro DOC wines were bottled and where bottles of wine were stored ready for labeling. As a result of the action, 1,326 bottles and 12,000 labels were seized.
Fraud in the honey value chain was the subject of another investigation in Évora and Aljustrel.
The operation was carried out after the discovery of packaged honey with a false veterinary control number (NCV). Based on investigations using document traceability, ASAE identified the operator responsible for packaging and placing the product on the market. More than 5 tons of honey were seized.
A criminal case was opened on the fact of forgery of documents and fraud. An administrative offense has also been established for misleading consumers regarding the origin of the goods. The company was allowed to extract and package honey on its own farm, but officials said all the honey found was from other producers.
