Nationwide inspection of beach buffets, festivals, and ice cream parlors – 37 million forints in fines and nearly 1,200 kg of products withdrawn from circulation

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP), in cooperation with government officials, conducted a nationwide inspection of catering establishments this summer. The inspections covered ice cream parlors, beach buffets and festival vendors, among others. The experts restricted the operation of 33 catering establishments due to serious irregularities and withdrew nearly 1,200 kilograms of food from circulation. The aim of the inspections was to protect consumers and ensure that catering establishments serve their guests under appropriate hygiene conditions during the summer months.

The inspections revealed that the most common deficiencies were hygiene irregularities, which were found in 15% of the units inspected. Inspectors found contaminated work surfaces, heavily contaminated refrigeration equipment, inadequate cleaning, inadequate hand washing facilities, and inadequate dishwashing conditions. Nationwide, 33 catering establishments had to be restricted due to serious irregularities. Consumers were not always provided with adequate information: more than 8% of the establishments inspected lacked information on allergens, while some ice cream parlors did not display the mandatory warning about artificial colors. In addition, some establishments employed workers who did not have a valid health certificate.

Inspectors found serious hygiene problems in several counties. For example, in one snack bar, they found animal droppings and a mouse corpse, which led to the immediate closure of the establishment with the involvement of the police and the local government, and the food stored there was immediately withdrawn from circulation. Inspections carried out at festivals also revealed shortcomings. There were cases where dozens of kilograms of spoiled or unlabeled products had to be confiscated, but there were also events where the authorities found exemplary cleanliness, orderliness, and full compliance with the law.

As a result of the nationwide inspection, 356 products weighing a total of 1,195 kilograms were withdrawn from circulation. The cases led to 217 proceedings, with fines totaling more than HUF 37 million.

The aim of the inspections carried out by the NATCP and government offices was to ensure that all guests could enjoy their well-deserved summer holidays in peace and without any problems. In the long term, the inspections contribute to raising the hygiene standards of catering establishments and guaranteeing consumer safety.