The Consumer Protection Service and the Health Services draw the attention of consumers to the sale of food over the internet, which is produced in premises not controlled by the competent authorities.
The two services in their joint announcement inform the consumer public that “it has been observed that food is being sold (confectionery items, catering items, honey, jams, spoon sweets, olive oil and others) which are produced in premises not controlled by the competent authorities, through personal or commercial profiles, on social media such as Facebook and Instagram, or through websites'.
They note that “the sale of food, which is not produced in licensed/approved laboratories or food premises, involves various risks related to food quality and safety”.
Consumers are therefore advised to exercise caution when buying food online, confirm that it comes from businesses registered with the Health Services and ask for their certificate of registration.
Also, consumers “should examine the labeling of the product before making a purchase, as by law, the producer must comply with the relevant food labeling legislation”.
Indicatively, the labeling includes the name of the food, the list of ingredients, allergenic substances, name and address of the manufacturer, etc.
The this information must be available to the consumer before the purchase is made.
Based on the above, “consumers are invited in case they find an unlicensed establishment, which sells food on social media and/or on websites, to inform the Health Services of the Ministry of Health or to contact the Consumer Line at 1429”.
