What do we eat without knowing it? Spoiled burgers, rotten cheeses, moldy minced meat and turkeys, prepared on dirty counters and “living” their short life in miserable facility conditions.
A total of 12 tons of spoiled meat and prepared food products as well as food of plant origin, were seized by the competent services of the Attica Region in inspections from December 1 to 29, 2025.
According to a statement by the Attica Region, during this period, the Region’s teams have carried out a total of 4,585 market and hygiene safety inspections, having found 628 violations, with the fines imposed so far amounting to 324,400 euros.
By order of the Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias, the relevant procedures were intensified, with the aim of protecting the health of consumers and combating profiteering.
Inspections results
The inspections carried out concern all businesses that fall under the jurisdiction of the Region’s mechanisms, such as meat, fruit and vegetable distribution companies and other food categories, supermarkets, farmers’ markets, cheese shops, poultry facilities, toy shops, gas stations, leisure businesses, bakeries etc.
In this context, the General Directorate of Agricultural Economy, Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries carried out a total of 2,274 inspections in retail stores, farmers’ markets, facilities and businesses of plant and animal origin between 1 and 29 December.
Specifically, 775 inspections were carried out in food of animal origin, 693 in food of plant origin, 614 export inspections, 154 in food facilities of animal origin and 38 in slaughterhouses.
A total of 12 tons of spoiled meat and ready to eat products, as well as food of plant origin, were seized, while the prescribed procedure for imposing fines was followed. At the same time, 292 compliance recommendations were made.
During the same period, the inspectors of the General Directorate for Sustainable Development and Climate Change carried out 1459 inspections, where they found 116 violations, validating fines of 324,400 euros so far. It is worth noting that most of these – a total of 200,000 euros – were imposed during the inspection of 56 fuel and energy stations, where 10 violations were found.
259 inspections were also carried out in farmers’ markets and the same number in clothing and footwear stores, 254 in neighborhood grocery stores, 168 in catering stores, 130 in bakeries and pastry shops, 98 in supermarkets, 81 in home equipment stores, 68 in service stores (barbers, hairdressers, laundries, garages, gyms, parking, etc.), 48 in pharmacies – cosmetics, etc.
Finally, a total of 852 inspections were carried out by the competent units of the Sanitary Control and Environmental Hygiene Directorates. 25 violations were found and the prescribed fines procedure was followed, while 512 compliance recommendations were made.
Regional governor Nikos Hardalias stressed that inspections are being carried out throughout the year, but in December were intensified due to the holidays.
*pictures: released by the Regional Government in Attica
PS Authorities should definitely name and shame these businesses and have consumers protect themselves.
I’ll ask this. Do you think the food is safe to eat on Monastiraki.
That picture of the mushrooms is misleading. Mushrooms actually improve after they age lightly. Those look perfect for cooking.