The NATCP is starting a nationwide strawberry inspection

The purpose of the official inspection is to check domestic and imported strawberry shipments, with particular emphasis on quality, compliance with labeling requirements, and ensuring traceability. The inspections cover wholesale distributors—including wholesale market—and retail outlets.

The importance of this regulatory action is also justified by last year’s inspection findings: in 2025, a total of 512 batches were inspected at 479 locations nationwide. The inspections, which covered the entire retail sector, revealed that one in ten items was non-compliant. By the end of the campaign, the authority’s staff had imposed fines totaling nearly 3 million forints.

The NATCP and the government agencies under its professional supervision will again inspect the quality of fruits on the market this year, with particular attention to freshness, cleanliness, the presence of any mold, and the degree of ripeness. In addition, they will check for the presence of calyxes, any deformities or bruises, and whether the product has been classified into the appropriate quality grade.

When inspecting labels, the authority will verify the accurate indication of the country of origin and quality grade, as well as the presence of lot identification. In the event of a quality or labeling defect, the authority prohibits distribution and imposes a food inspection fine, while a violation of traceability requirements may result in the imposition of a food chain supervision fine.

In particular, they are inspecting sales conditions and hygiene standards at temporary sales stands and roadside sales – requirements include ensuring handwashing facilities and restroom access, as well as the use of appropriate hygiene equipment, such as plastic or rubber gloves, when handling products.

The NATCP and government agencies will continue to prioritize seasonal inspections including those involving strawberries in order to ensure that only safe, high-quality products reach consumers, while simultaneously supporting law-abiding businesses and promoting fair market competition.