Authorities carried out 524 emergency inspections of food businesses across Greece during the first two months of 2026.
The General Directorate of Food of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food conducted the nationwide checks as part of its ongoing market oversight strategy.
Secretary General for Rural Development and Food Spyros Protopsaltis stated that food market inspections remained a constant priority. He said authorities aimed to protect consumers, support compliant businesses and prevent practices that undermined fair competition. He added that officials continued inspections with consistency and strictness in cooperation with regional authorities and competent control services to ensure legality and transparency throughout the food supply chain.
92 violations identified
According to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, inspectors recorded 92 cases of non-compliance. Violations included breaches related to correct labelling, product presentation and advertising, as well as failures to maintain required documentation and traceability procedures.
Inspectors also identified cases of misleading labelling and inaccurate or incomplete information provided to consumers regarding product characteristics and origin.
Authorities placed particular emphasis on two cases involving false declarations of origin, known as “Hellenisations”. In those instances, potatoes imported from Egypt were marketed as Greek products. Officials said the practice undermined consumer trust and harmed legitimate businesses and producers.
Following the completion of the required administrative procedures, authorities imposed penalties in 11 cases, totalling €62,000, in accordance with the current legal framework.
