In February, the prefect of Maine-et-Loire, Philippe Chopin, announced an increase in information controls on food products. Since the start of the year, 142 inspections in 125 establishments in Anjou (mini-markets, supermarkets, restaurants, wholesalers, etc.) have been carried out by the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP).
Overall, 72% of anomalies were noted. “The breach rates are high because our investigators targeted operators about whom they had doubts or who had already had a warning. We haven’t been to the majority of whom we know are working GOOD “ , explains Sophie Querry, deputy director of the DDPP.
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Out of 78 checks concerning the origin of products, there were thirteen warnings and three serious breaches, one of which had to be reported to the public prosecutor’s office. Concerning the traceability of fresh products, 27 warnings were issued. Of three quarters of inspections carried out, minor and occasional errors were reported resulting from a lack of knowledge of the regulations in force, which are very complex and constantly evolving.
“Rare” closures
“When a merchant removes overripe fruit from his shelves, if he has not weighed them, it is a mistake. When the butcher cuts his meat, he often sets aside the heel. He must weigh this waste that he will not sell. In the heat of the moment, we can imagine that we can forget, puts the prefect into perspective. When there is an emergency, we don’t wait. I have no hesitation in closing an establishment. But it’s rare. »
The objective is to protect consumers, fight against unfair competition and reassure farmers. Checks will continue, particularly during the Christmas holidays.
