The inspection services of the Macedonian Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) carried out 70 extraordinary inspections of food operators in the Gostivar region, during which it was determined that the ban on the use of water from the Gostivar water supply system was being respected.
As reported by the FVA, the inspections were carried out in hospitality establishments, bakeries, pastry shops, fast food restaurants, producers and packers of fruit and vegetables, as well as in other food operators.
The inspectors did not find any violations regarding the use of water. For serving guests, washing dishes, work surfaces and equipment, packaged or other safe water was used, and plastic and paper cups and utensils were used in hospitality businesses.
However, several other irregularities were identified during the inspections. Five operators did not implement disinfection, disinfestation and deratization measures, 18 operators did not have mandatory health examinations for their employees, and 11 legal entities worked without being registered as food operators with the FVA. These entities, in addition to fines, were also given a temporary ban on carrying out their activities until their registration.
Additionally, two operators were found to be placing unsafe food on the market, during which 18 kilograms of products were destroyed, including hot dogs, dairy products such as yogurt and butter, sliced salami, etc.
For the irregularities identified, the inspectors imposed 30 fines in the total amount of EUR 7,750 in MKD equivalent, as well as 12 bans on carrying out activities, warnings and orders to eliminate the identified shortcomings
