National Sanitary Security Institute of Food Products (INSSPA) Seizes Over 7.6 Tonnes of Unfit Food
The National Sanitary Security Institute of Food Products (INSSPA) announced the seizure of over 7.6 tonnes of spoiled or unfit food products, 2,452.5 litres of mineral water exposed in unhygienic conditions, and 4,196 food boxes of various sizes and contents. These operations were carried out in several governorates across the country following intensive control campaigns conducted by INSSPA teams in coordination with security services and municipal authorities.
Objective: Strengthening Sanitary Surveillance and Combating Hygiene Infractions
The objective of these operations is to reinforce sanitary surveillance and combat infractions against food hygiene rules to ensure the safety of products consumed by Tunisians. In a statement published on Sunday, INSSPA emphasized that these controls are part of a preventive action plan aimed at improving the effectiveness of surveillance and preserving public health. The Institute stressed the need for strict adherence to technical standards, storage, and transportation conditions for food products, warning that any infringement harming consumer health will be subject to rigorous measures.
Seizures by Region
- Tunis: INSSPA agents seized 5.26 tonnes of food products and 4,196 assorted boxes, including:
- 3,809 boxes of tomato concentrate (800g) and 387 boxes of tomatoes (400g) showing signs of swelling
- 316.8 kg of harissa
- 1,320 kg of salted olives
- 182 kg of poultry emitting strong odors
- 65 kg of red meat, poultry, and frozen fish
- 170 kg of other contaminated or moldy products
- Kairouan: Controllers seized 1.35 tonnes of poultry of unknown origin and 170 kg of date paste stored in non-compliant conditions, in addition to 2,452.5 litres of mineral water exposed to the sun. The total seizures in the region amount to 1.52 tonnes and 2,452.5 litres of water, accompanied by reports transmitted to the judiciary.
- Gafsa: A raid on an unauthorized clandestine slaughterhouse resulted in the seizure of 553 kg of poultry meat, including 23 kg of chicken liver, leading to the opening of a judicial investigation.
- Sidi Bouzid: 270 kg of ready-to-fry potatoes were intercepted. These products were transported in inappropriate conditions, at a temperature exceeding 25°C, while the standard requires less than 18°C.
INSSPA's Commitment to Continued Controls
INSSPA reaffirmed its determination to continue its controls at a sustained pace to ensure the wholesomeness of food products across the entire national territory. The authorities have engaged in the necessary judicial procedures, with transmission of files to the public prosecutor's office.
