The National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) conducted a thematic control action at refrigerated warehouses with animal-origin food products in the counties of Arad, Bihor, Brașov, Iași, Prahova, and the Municipality of Bucharest.

Inspectors from the Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorates in Bucharest, Arad, Bihor, Brașov, Iași, and Prahova participated in this action, coordinated by representatives of ANSVSA.

The main objective of the action was to verify compliance with sanitary veterinary regulations regarding hygiene conditions, compliance with accompanying documents, expiration dates, maintenance of temperature storage conditions, traceability, labeling, as well as sample collection.

During the inspections, 23 samples were collected (18 samples from poultry meat, 3 samples from pork muscle, 1 sample from mackerel, and 1 sample from beef stomach) for the determination of the presence of Salmonella spp and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as residues of veterinary medicines, hormonal substances, and contaminants. The collected samples will be analyzed by the Institute of Veterinary Public Health and Hygiene.

Additionally, the procedure for product recalls from consumers in case of non-compliance was verified.

Thirteen refrigerated storage units were inspected, and for the identified non-compliances, 9 administrative fines were imposed, totaling 265,000 lei. Moreover, two units had their activities suspended through official orders.

Some of the main non-compliances identified included:

• Expired products found in storage areas.
• Improper storage of products.
• Non-compliance with the technological flow.
• Interruption of the cold chain.
• Exceeding storage capacity.

Furthermore, a total quantity of 1,131 kg (684 kg of beef carcasses and 447 kg of poultry meat) was officially seized and directed for disposal at an authorized facility.

These types of actions will continue in the direction of ensuring the most effective protection of public health. Communication and Documentary Logistics Service