The NVWA found an infringement of food safety regulations at 96 of the 154 hospitality venues inspected. The inspections took place in July and August at hospitality establishments including campsites, swimming pools, recreational lakes, playgrounds and beaches.
The unannounced inspections were carried out at temperatures of 20 degrees or higher. The inspectors paid particular attention to the temperature at which foodstuffs were stored and to the presence of flies in areas where food was prepared. According to the NVWA, higher temperatures in summer pose additional food safety risks.
Flies were found at 47 per cent of the locations inspected. At 3 per cent, the nuisance was serious. At 40 per cent of the businesses, allergens were not listed or were listed incorrectly. There were also more problems in summer with monitoring the correct storage temperature than in the first months of the year.
In total, the NVWA issued 88 official warnings and eight Reports of Findings, resulting in a fine being imposed. The businesses must rectify the infringements. A reinspection will take place within three months.
