Health Services on 24-hour food watch in run-up to Christmas

THE Health and Veterinary Services are carrying out intensive inspections on the market to ensure all foodstuffs are in top condition for the festive season.

The Veterinary Services have so far spotted nothing that could pose a threat to public health in meat and its products.

The head of the Services, Charalambos Kakoyiannis, said the checks would continue up until epiphany on January 6.

Slaughterhouses, butcheries and the entire meat-production chain are being inspected on a 24-hour basis, he added.

Kakoyiannis said 600 inspections had already taken place on butchers and meat factories without anything concerning being found.

Apart from a few isolated hygiene incidents, where recommendations were made, meat establishments are generally in good condition, better than any other year, said Kakoyiannis.

The Health Services are carrying out similar operations and have also found no problems in any food establishments.

The Services’ head, George Georgallas said checks were being carried out to spot dangerous substances such as aflatoxin.

From December 1 until yesterday, he added, 450 food businesses had been inspected, in 48 of which they spotted small insufficiencies which they issued warnings for.

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