Ceepackaging

Environment

Hungary cracking down on fraud

Authorities announced they would move to prevent further abuse of sell-by dates to protect food supply in the region, as well as the country’s reputation in the wider EU industry.

Last week over 100 tons of goods ranging from Muesli and chocolate, to supplements and eggs were seized at a ware house in the city of Torokbalint.

Reiterating the increased vigilance on food and packaging production within the country, Hungary’s chief veterinarian announced inspections would be carried out throughout a number of major cities across the nation.

Along with searches of premises in Torokbalint, where the tampered sell-by dates were first uncovered, officials are also examining produce in the cities of Ullo, Gyal, and Vecses.

The products, which the Hungarian Ministry of Agricultural and Rural development (FVM) said were being held and distributed by a company trading under the name, M.E.G.A. Trade group, were found to have had their sell by dates and corresponding paperwork tampered with.

These repackaged goods were then distributed to a number of the country’s most prominent retailers, along with smaller outlets throughout the country.

According to food safety officials over 400 different foodstuffs were found to have been affected, with unspecified sources suggesting that retailers may have been receiving the modified goods for almost two months throughout October and November.

As a result, retailers like Tesco, Spar, and Magyar have recalled all products bought via M.E.G.A. Trade group from their shelves.

Earlier this week, farm minister József Gráf, announced that he would be meeting with affected retailers as part of measures to prevent further cases of sell-by date fraud.

The talks are expected to focus on increasing vigilance over the food distributors being used by the industry, as well as increasing scrutiny of packaging used on products.

Despite these measures, with no current casualties resulting from the re-packaging, legislation remains in somewhat of a grey area.

According to current EU regulations, a company is able to re-label sell-by dates on products as long as there is no health risk to consumers.

Nonetheless, Graf condemned those responsible for the re-packaging, claiming they were not operating a scam, but engaging in a criminal act.