Due to identified violations, the company’s activities have been suspended, according to a VMVT press release.
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During the inspection, it was found that the condition of the food handling premises and production conditions was extremely poor. Inspectors recorded that semi-finished products in refrigeration units were not protected from contamination, and some raw materials were stored directly on the floor. There was a layer of ice in the refrigeration units, and the products were covered with frost. Pest traces were abundantly found in the raw material storage rooms – mouse droppings and moths.
In the production area, numerous equipment and inventory violations were found: ventilation systems were uncleaned and covered with cobwebs, production inventory was stored under wastewater pipes, and all production equipment was worn out and dirty. The premises themselves were in critical condition, with ceiling panels fallen in places, wall cavities stuffed with plastic bags, and floors in all rooms dirty with ingrained dirt. Wastewater traps were also leaking and open.
Deficiencies were also found in the company’s self-control system. Microbiological testing of drinking water and other self-control tests were not performed within the specified deadlines, and acceptance control and cleaning work registration logs were not provided. The company also did not have a control thermometer with a valid metrological verification, and other thermometers were not calibrated.
Some employees directly handling food did not have valid health checks and had not completed mandatory hygiene skills training. It was also impossible to determine when semi-finished products were made, when they were frozen, and until when products stored in the freezer were suitable for consumption, and meat was stored without any labeling information.
Having identified severe food safety, hygiene, and self-control violations, VMVT suspended the operation of UAB „Kakela“ confectionery workshop „Alkava“ – the company will be able to resume production only after eliminating the violations and VMVT inspectors confirm during a repeated inspection that food safety, hygiene, and self-control requirements are being met in the workshop.
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