In a statement, ASAE said that this surveillance operation, at national level, also led to the opening of 25 misdemeanour proceedings, with one economic operator in the sector remaining with the activity "partially suspended".

The seizures, worth more than €3,500, relate to meat and weighing instruments, indicates ASAE.

ASAE's inspection operation had as its main objective the verification of the specific requirements of the activity of this sector, with particular focus on the verification of the conservation temperatures and exposure of meat products.

The verification of the provision of information to consumers on foodstuffs, particularly information concerning the country of origin or place of provenance and the compulsory labelling of beef was another of the objectives of the action carried out by ASAE from the north to the south of the country.

As the main offences detected, ASAE highlights non-compliance with general and specific hygiene requirements, non-compliance with the labelling of meat or meat products and non-compliance with the process or processes based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles.

ASAE warns that it will continue to develop inspection actions throughout the national territory, in favour of "healthy and fair competition between economic operators", to safeguard food safety and public health of consumers.