Food Inspection imposed 10.000 euros in fines, 1,8 tonnes of canned fruit and vegetables returned at the border

The Food Inspection identified numerous irregularities in December last year, issued 35 misdemeanor notices and imposed fines totaling nearly 10.000 euros, while 1,8 tonnes of canned fruit and vegetables were returned at the border, according to the Inspection’s Activity Report.

According to the report, inspections were carried out at 289 facilities engaged in food business operations. The controls covered all approved facilities for the production, processing, and distribution of food of animal origin, in line with European Commission requirements, with the aim of verifying compliance with EU food safety and hygiene standards.

Enhanced inspections were also conducted in hospitality and retail establishments in tourist municipalities along the coast and in northern Montenegro, ahead of the New Year holidays and the start of the winter tourist season, due to increased food turnover.

Due to the identified irregularities, inspectors undertook 82 administrative measures. A total of 36 decisions were issued ordering the removal of irregularities, three decisions ordering the withdrawal from circulation and destruction of unsafe food, one decision banning employees from working, as well as 42 formal notices instructing the correction of deficiencies.

According to the report, 35 misdemeanor notices were issued, with the total amount of fines reaching 9.600 euros. During the same period, 34 follow-up inspections were carried out to verify compliance with previously imposed measures.

Nearly 2.000 food shipments inspected at the border

At the borders, in December 2025, a total of 1.914 imported shipments of food of non-animal origin were inspected, as well as 566 shipments of objects and materials that come into contact with food. For laboratory testing of food safety, 235 samples were taken, along with an additional 10 samples of objects and materials intended to come into contact with food.

Following the inspections, inspectors issued 1.913 decisions approving the import and release into free circulation of safe food shipments, as well as 566 decisions approving the placing on the market of objects and materials that come into contact with food.

The import of one shipment of canned fruit and vegetables, weighing 1.874.88 kilograms, was prohibited due to non-compliance with prescribed requirements.

For the inspections of imported shipments, fees were collected in accordance with the Law on Administrative Fees, totaling 85.510,22 euros.

Consumer complaints

During December, the Food Inspection received 16 consumer complaints.

These complaints most often related to products past their expiration date, changes in the color, smell or taste of food, as well as poor hygiene in facilities where food is handled.