Algarve beekeeping business closed down
In the latest update on Operation Mellis, a food safety inspection targeting honey and bee product processing establishments, Portuguese authorities have revealed that one Algarve-based producer in Silves has been shut down due to serious violations[1].
The inspection, conducted by ASAE (Food and Economic Safety Authority), targeted 17 national bee producers. The Algarve producer was found to be in breach of several regulations, including fraud and traceability issues, hygiene violations, and a lack of safety systems.
The fraud and traceability issues stemmed from the producer's lack of proper documentation regarding honey traceability during production and packaging phases. The same operator also failed to meet general and specific hygiene requirements, and facilities showed an absence of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) implementation and safety processes.
As a precaution to protect product quality on the market, a total suspension of economic activity was ordered for the Algarve operator. A seizure of approximately three tons of honey was carried out to safeguard the quality of products available on the market.
ASAE has stated that it will continue nationwide inspections to safeguard food safety and public health related to honey and bee products[1]. No further details on other inspected operators or additional findings have been reported in the latest update.
The operation, which was carried out by the Specialized Industries Brigade of the Southern Regional Unit, aimed to verify compliance with legal rules for honey and bee product processing establishments. No new locations or economic operators were specified as part of the continued inspection work.
[1] Source: ASAE (Food and Economic Safety Authority) press release, date of publication: [insert date]
- The Algarve-based producer in Silves, located in Portugal, discovered to have violated several regulations during the Operation Mellis inspection, failed to implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and maintain proper hygiene standards in their food-and-drink production, specifically in the realm of health-and-wellness-focused therapies-and-treatments involving honey and bee products.
- The shutdown of the Algarve operator was not only due to serious breaches of regulations but also because of concerns about the reputability of their product line, which prompted a necessary precaution to protect the consumers' health and the overall health-and-wellness sector in Portugal.
- The lifestyle and wellbeing comprising food-and-drink establishments - such as the Algarve producer - must adhere to strict standards set forth by authorities to promote safe and high-quality consumer experiences, with the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) committed to further carrying out inspections in Portugal, aiming to ensure the safety and quality of honey and bee products.
