A company’s operations in Lithuania have been suspended after food agency inspectors were denied access to the premises during an inspection.
The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) reported that when inspectors went to fish producer Almantika UAB in August, company officials would not give inspectors access to the site.
Police officers were called by VMVT employees and they urged the producer to carry out the planned official controls, but company representatives still refused.
The VMVT reports that company officials say they should have been informed about the inspection.
The EU Regulation on Official Controls requires Member States to carry out regular, unannounced, risk-based official controls to detect fraudulent or deceptive practices.
Response from the Food Agency
Since VMVT staff could not assess the conditions of the ongoing activity, it was decided to suspend the company’s activities.
Similar cases have previously been registered at other companies, leading to legal proceedings.
Paulius Bušauskas, deputy director of VMVT, said it is important that companies cooperate with the control authority so that food safety and animal welfare can be guaranteed.
“If company representatives have questions about our way of working, we are ready to explain and advise. However, disclosing to the entity about the planned inspection…is prohibited by European Union law, under which we carry out official controls. Only very specific and limited exceptions are possible,” he said.
“We will not tolerate disrespectful behavior towards VMVT inspectors and we will use all resources to ensure employees are protected and feel supported in carrying out their duties for the state.”
Gediminas Gvazdaitis, director of VMVT’s surveillance department, said it was a unique case.
“Why is there an attempt to circumvent the inspection? We cannot endanger the health of consumers. The inspectors could not ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene in the company, so we had to take measures to protect ourselves from a possible threat,” he said.
“By obtaining a permit, the company undertakes to ensure the safety and quality of the manufactured product at all times, not just during assessment. We hope for understanding and better cooperation in the future to protect consumers.”
After suspension, a company can apply to resume operations. A restart of the activity can only be approved after an official check has been carried out.
Several outbreaks
Meanwhile, officials in the city of Klaipėda are investigating an outbreak that has affected eight people.
Patients reported eating a tiramisu dessert at the same restaurant between August 2 and 8. Salmonellosis was diagnosed in seven of the patients.
An inspection of the restaurant revealed no food handling violations. The raw materials for making the tiramisu have also been checked, but no defects have been found. Other samples were taken, including from a company that supplied some ingredients, the results of which were not yet known. The restaurant was ordered to clean and disinfect the location and equipment.
Another outbreak in Taurage involved children at a campsite. Due to suspected gastroenteritis, several children required hospital treatment.
The VMVT controlled the company that supplied food to people in the camp. An inspection identified the risk of cross-contamination during storage and a lack of traceability of food products used.
According to the National Public Health Center (NVSC), eight people have become ill. The agency added that the lack of hygiene measures by workers and children may have contributed to the spread of disease.
Finally, the Kaunas branch of NVSC is conducting an epidemiological investigation into a hospital outbreak. The study aims to find out whether the cause of illness is the same in 24 people and whether it was caused by food eaten in hospital. Patients are being interviewed and results of laboratory tests on fallen and food eaten are expected soon.
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