NKFH's work has paid off – the fruit black market has come to an end

A joint operation by the authorities was launched near the Budapest Wholesale Market to crack down on the illegal fruit market that had sprung up in the parking lots of nearby stores, Decathlon and Auchan. The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) shut down 13 illegal vendors and imposed fines totaling nearly 1.5 million forints.

For five weeks, NATCP fruit and vegetable inspectors and National Tax and Customs Administration (NTCA) auditors checked illegal fruit sellers in supermarket parking lots several times a week.

The inspections revealed that mainly Romanian citizens were selling fruit from Romania and Poland – primarily blueberries, apricots, and peaches – at prices well below market value, without any permits or labeling. The occasional vendors did not have a registered business, they obtained the fruit without invoices or with false receipts, and they were unable to provide the inspectors with documents certifying the origin and safety of the products. The successful operations were also assisted by the XX–XXIII District Police Department and the finance patrol officers of the NTCA Operations Directorate.

Food products of unknown origin that cannot be traced pose a serious food safety risk and create an unfair competitive advantage over legally operating businesses.

The authorities found a lot of litter and rotting fruit scraps on the site, which caused constant extra work for the store's maintenance and cleaning staff. In addition, petty crime increased in the area, including shoplifting, car break-ins, and pickpocketing. The NATCP's results: 13 illegal vendors shut down and nearly 1.5 million forints in fines imposed.

Illegal trade not only endangers the health and safety of shoppers, but also the operation of honest businesses. The authorities will continue to pay close attention to the area around the Budapest Wholesale Market and, if necessary, carry out further inspections to ensure that legal, safe, and transparent trade is maintained in the long term and that the interests of consumers are not harmed.