The actions aimed at verifying if the establishments comply with the rules associated with artisanal production, as well as others that present terms such as “traditional ice cream”, “bio ice cream”, PDO and PGI terms, which have to comply with the legal requirements for their use.

As a result of this action, 62 economic operators were inspected from north to south of the continent, 19 administrative offenses were initiated and the activity of two economic operators was partially suspended.

The main infringements found, include non-compliance with food safety rules, lack of mere prior notification, breach of the general duties of the operator of the catering establishment, the practice of acts of unfair competition, lack or inadequate labelling, misuse or fraudulent use of geographical indications or logo template among others.

About 100 litres of ice cream and mixtures were seized for their preparation for non-compliance with general and specific hygiene requirements (Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004) and for missing or inaccuracy in the labelling, all worth €1,500.

ASAE will continue to carry out oversight actions within its remit throughout the national territory in order to ensure healthy and fair competition between economic operators and to safeguard food safety and public health for consumers.