The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH) and the government offices under its professional supervision inspected watermelons of both domestic and foreign origin at more than 400 locations across Hungary. The inspections found that the overall quality of the watermelons was satisfactory, although deficiencies remain in labelling and traceability. The authority imposed more than HUF 1.5 million in fines, it told the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) on Friday.
At the beginning of the season, significant quantities of imported watermelons from Greece and Italy were still available on the market, but domestic watermelons later became predominant. Inspectors also checked roadside and temporary sales points.
In addition to the quality of the watermelons, the NKFH paid particular attention to whether retailers properly indicated the country of origin and quality class, whether the origin of the products could be verified, and whether the products could be traced from the producer to the consumer. Tests found no pesticide residues above the permitted limits and no active substances not authorised for use on watermelons in either the domestic or imported products examined.
The most common problems involved labelling deficiencies. In several cases, the country of origin or quality class was missing or incorrectly indicated. A lack of traceability was considered a serious problem in four batches. As a result, around 5,000 kilograms of watermelons had to be destroyed because their origin could not be adequately verified.
Fines were imposed in 34 cases, totalling more than HUF 1.5 million.
The results of this year’s inspections show a clear improvement compared with last year: the number of violations decreased, while conditions at roadside sales points also improved.
(MTI)
