The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) carried out a nationwide food safety inspection with the involvement of government agencies under its professional supervision. During the operation, a total of 413 mobile food service units, food carts, and food trucks were inspected. The inspections revealed hygiene and documentation deficiencies in several cases, and the total amount of fines imposed exceeded 17 million forints.
Experience shows that violations of hygiene regulations remain the biggest problem in the sector: a total of 43 such violations were identified. In addition, deficiencies related to mandatory documentation and the maintenance of HACCP records were identified on 41 occasions, while inspectors uncovered technical issues in 32 cases.
Compliance with best-before and use-by dates also proved to be a particularly sensitive area. In several cases, experts found expired or improperly labeled products, which could pose a direct food safety risk to consumers. The lack of adequate consumer information—such as the absence of allergen information or mandatory labeling—justified regulatory action in other cases. On a positive note, however, the operation of food service establishments at petrol stations generally complied with regulations
The purpose of the inspections was not only to identify violations, but also to ensure that catering businesses continue to comply with food safety regulations in the long term. The popularity of mobile food service is growing year by year, particularly in the context of festivals, outdoor events, and tourist destinations; therefore, it is of paramount significance that consumers have access to safe and high-quality food under all conditions.
The main objective of the NATCP is to ensure compliance with the law. To this end, it supports operators with various food safety and hygiene guidelines, which are available on the authority’s website (www.nkfh.gov.hu).
The NATCP emphasizes that food safety is not a seasonal issue, but a shared responsibility. Compliance with the rules is not only a legal obligation, but also a fundamental guarantee of consumer health and trust. The authority will continue to take consistent action against any violations that could jeopardize safe food service in Hungary.
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