UAB Handelshus, which has come under the scrutiny of the VMVT, again remedies a number of infringements

After receiving reports of possible irregularities in UAB „Handelshus“'s wholesale food warehouse, the Klaipėda District Supervision Unit of the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVT) carried out an unscheduled inspection of the company.

During the inspection, inspectors identified a number of irregularities. The VMVT also decided to prohibit the identified unauthorised activities and to impose administrative liability on the person responsible for the violations.

In response to the situation, UAB „Handelshus“ issued a press release on Friday, stating that the company is promptly addressing the identified violations following the inspection of the wholesale warehouse by the MoIW.

„After receiving the relevant observations, we immediately launched an internal investigation to assess the situation and ensure that all operational processes comply with legislation and hygiene norms“, – the release said.

A company spokesperson assured that the non-compliances identified are not systemic or deliberate violations. He also stated that UAB „Handelshus“ cooperates closely with the HVO and is working to eliminate all the factors identified as violating legislation and hygiene standards.

„Our priority – is safe and high quality food products, therefore we are making every effort to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future“, – promises UAB „Handelshus“ in a press release.

Unfortunately, this incident is not the first in the company's history.

In autumn last year, following inspections at the UAB „Handelshus“ warehouse in Vilnius, the VMVT detected serious breaches of hygiene norms, which had a direct impact on the safety and quality of products. In view of the seriousness of the infringements, the HVO then decided to suspend the company's activities.

„Upon arrival at the site, inspectors found wild birds perching on the dust and dirt covered food packaging and even flying around the premises. There is a high risk of microbiological contamination from wild birds on foodstuffs.

Traces of rodents have also been found. The risk of contracting dangerous diseases spread by rodents is huge when food products are stored in such conditions," said Daiva Ruželienė, advisor to the Vilnius District Supervision Division of the VMVT, about the breaches of the hygiene standard found at UAB „Handelshus“ in the autumn.

On that occasion, the company denied the information about the suspension of its activities and claimed that it was cooperating with the VMVT. The repeated inspection by the VMVT and the irregularities detected signal that the company seems to be failing to ensure the safety and quality of food products in its warehouses.

The HMVS often places companies in the low, medium and high risk groups. We are likely to find out what happens to „Handelshus“ as well.