Food fraud: 17 tons of spoiled chicken seized in Antalya

In food inspections conducted by teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Antalya, many products that threaten public health were seized. 

In a warehouse inspected by the teams, thousands of imported chocolate, biscuit, and canned fruit products were found to have expired shelf lives and had been re-coded with new dates using machinery.

65 THOUSAND 662 PRODUCTS IDENTIFIED

During inspections at a warehouse belonging to individuals named A.S. and B.D. in the Çamköy neighborhood of the Aksu district, it was determined that 65 thousand 662 food items were being kept in the warehouse after their expiration dates had passed. 

Investigations revealed that the original date information on the product packaging had been erased with cellulosic thinner to be altered and then re-coded with new date information.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE LABELING 

In the examinations carried out by the teams, expiration dates originally set for 2023 were changed to 2025. Some products were made ready for sale. 

Furthermore, it was noted that Russian labels were affixed to the products in the warehouse and that these products were allegedly produced by a company registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. However, it was understood that the company was not registered in the food safety system for the production of such products.

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED

Following the inspections, a criminal complaint was filed with the Public Prosecutor's Office against those responsible for placing products with expired shelf lives on the market. 

Additionally, a total fine of 58 thousand 424 TL was imposed on the businesses found to be operating in violation of hygiene rules, in accordance with Article 41 of Law No. 5996.

SPOILED CHICKEN DESTROYED

Furthermore, another inspection was carried out in the Altınova/Sinan neighborhood of the Kepez district, where it was determined that unauthorized chicken processing activities were being conducted without ministry approval. 17 tons of chicken products with expired shelf lives were seized there. All spoiled products at the facility were destroyed, and the necessary administrative sanctions were applied.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced that inspections will continue to protect public health.

News Source: İHA