Africa-Press – Angola. Products with labels in a foreign language are being removed from the shelves of commercial establishments, to comply with Angolan legislation and guarantee food safety in the country.
The fact was announced this Tuesday, in Luanda, by the deputy inspector general of the National Authority for Economic Inspection and Food Safety (ANIESA), Heleno Antunes, during the presentation of the pre-assessment of Operation Christmas 2023, which began on 15 November lastly, in the country’s 18 provinces.
According to the person responsible, the withdrawal from circulation of products with labels in a foreign language is being done through the seizure of the same goods, which are then checked for expiration dates and forcing traders to conform the writing in accordance with national legislation.
Given this scenario, Heleno Antunes calls on importers to refrain from purchasing products with foreign labels and obey Angolan law, which prohibits this practice.
“Angolan legislation is very clear regarding the import of products, so it would be desirable to prevent the entry of goods written in a foreign language,” he added.
Regarding the pre-assessment of Operation Christmas 2023, which ends on January 5, 2024, the deputy inspector general of ANIESA highlighted that this initiative has already made it possible to detect 733 different infractions, as a result of the inspection of 360 commercial establishments.
Among the frauds detected, Heleno Antunes highlighted price speculation, failure to issue invoices for price calculation structures, failure to present a food quality certificate and the absence of a commercial activity license.
He also mentioned that, in the same period, several goods were seized due to deterioration and others beyond their expiration date, such as cheese, rice, eggs, chorizo, black beans, cornmeal, turkey tails, Roman brand yellow cornmeal. , kianda wheat flour, powdered milk, bread yeast, among other foodstuffs.
In relation to drinks, he pointed out that crates of coca-cola, welwitchia, speed and passion fruit blue were also seized.
Regarding price speculation, the deputy inspector general warned commercial operators to issue invoices with the real value posted on the product shelves.
On the other hand, the National Authority for Economic Inspection and Food Safety warns citizens to certify the expiration date, date of manufacture and composition of products, before they are purchased, especially during the festive season.
ANIESA also reminds consumers to always demand the correct display of prices for products and services, as well as the invoice/receipt.
Operation Christmas 2023, of preventive and punitive nature, covers all large importers, medium-sized companies and distributors of consumer products that make up the basic food basket.
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