National Food Safety Authority Seizes Over 14 Tonnes of Expired or Non-Conforming Food Products
The National Food Safety Authority announced on Sunday that it had seized over 14 tonnes and 690 litres of expired or non-conforming food products during the first week of November, across several governorates in the country. These operations resulted from rigorous controls conducted in production, storage, and sales units, revealing serious violations that compromise consumer health.
Sfax Governorate
The central team in Sfax seized 4.24 tonnes of cocoa and 7.2 tonnes of vegetable oils whose expiration dates had been exceeded. The products had been tampered with, with fraudulent manipulation of labels and expiration dates intended to deceive consumers. The products were secured, and legal procedures were initiated in coordination with judicial authorities.
The regional teams in Sfax also seized:
- 430 kg of potatoes in a clandestine fry preparation facility
- 60 kg of almonds and 25 kg of cocoa infested with insects, requiring immediate destruction
Nabeul Governorate
A joint operation with the National Guard resulted in the seizure of 95 litres of expired vegetable oil, stored in unsanitary conditions with humidity, dirt, and rodent droppings.
Kef Governorate
Inspectors seized:
- 884 kg of rotten onions
- 30 kg of damaged dates
- 50 kg of fried harissa preserved in non-hygienic conditions
- 25 kg of expired flaxseeds
- 186 bottles of carbonated drinks containing the colouring E102
- 156 pots of yoghurt stored outside refrigeration and of unknown origin
The products were seized and destroyed in accordance with legal procedures.
Bizerte Governorate
A clandestine facility was discovered, containing 725 kg of slaughtered chicken and 40 kg of poultry livers and hearts, subject to legal proceedings.
Kairouan Governorate
In collaboration with the municipal police, the Authority seized:
- 300 litres of milk and raïeb of unknown origin, stored in unsanitary conditions
- 30 kg of smen of unknown origin
- 100 kg of dried red pepper exposed in a dusty and rodent-infested environment
- 109 kg of red meat and 56 kg of chicken
Three fast-food restaurants were also closed for non-compliance with health standards.
Manouba Governorate
A clandestine slaughterhouse was discovered, failing to meet any hygiene standards, with 299 live poultry and 265 slaughtered poultry seized and placed under seal.
The National Food Safety Authority reminded citizens of the need to avoid products of unknown origin, emphasizing the continuation of its control campaigns across the country to ensure the quality and safety of food products intended for consumption.
