The operation, named ‘Operação Mellis’, was conducted in recent weeks, with the Portuguese food safety authority officers ensuring compliance with legal regulations applicable to honey and beekeeping product processing facilities, outlined ASAE.
The inspection aimed to detect frauds concerning the authenticity, labeling, and traceability of these products, as part of food safety protocols, noted ASAE.
“As a result of the operation, 17 economic operators were inspected, with the Specialized Brigade of Industries of the Southern Regional Unit reporting, within the scope of the investigation in the Silves area, a lack of documentation on honey traceability procedures during production and packaging stages,” it disclosed.
The operator in Algarve also failed to meet the “general and specific hygiene requirements” and had not implemented the HACCP system and safety processes at its facilities.
“Consequently, total suspension of economic activity was mandated with the precautionary seizure of approximately three tons of honey to safeguard the quality of products available in the market,” it added.
ASAE affirmed that it will continue its inspection efforts throughout the country to protect food safety and public health in Portugal.
