Inspectors give zero marks to Rendi market as eating meat remains high-risk option
The main meat market at Rendi is in such a disgraceful state that European Union inspectors who visited in January graded it zero. The most basic rules of hygiene, maintenance and cleanliness are ignored. Vital equipment is lacking, as is any kind of permit required by Greek or European legislation. Apart from recording serious irregularities in almost every aspect of the market’s operation, the EU inspectors noted that official inspections were chaotic, and they concluded that the market presented a serious health hazard to Greek consumers. In fact the committee considered the matter to be so urgent that it requested a reply from the Greek authorities within 10 days of the report’s publication. Some of these answers have already been supplied, and the committee has allowed one month’s grace for some of the other recommendations. The two inspectors visited the Rendi market on 14-17 January following allegations about inadequate conditions. They visited 12 stores in the Athinas and Pireos wings, and conducted a general inspection of the market. On the general layout they had the following to say: The windows and doors were unrepaired and some sewerage pipes were uncovered, giving access to insects. No hygiene facilities were supplied, and the toilet block in the Pireos wing was completed on the day the inspectors arrived. There was no hot water, soap or towels. There was no separate area for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, and the waste from them did not drain away properly. Many stores did not have the facilities required by EU legislation. They were completely open and lacked refrigeration, protection from insects, proper changing rooms, or drainage pipes. Many stores lacked basic equipment; there were no wash basins, and those that did exist only had cold water. There was no equipment for cleaning and disinfecting implements with hot water. The rails on which slaughtered animals were suspended were so low that the carcasses dragged along the floor. The hooks on the walls for the carcasses allowed the meat to touch unclean surfaces. There were no containers or locked areas to store any meat that was not destined or suitable for human consumption. As for maintenance, the floors and walls were cracked, equipment was rusted and damaged and pipes leaked. The level of cleanliness differed from one store to another. Although some of them were kept clean, they had dirty fittings and equipment. There was blood and meat on the walls and floors. The same applied in the matter of hygiene. According to the inspectors, uncovered meat was displayed at room temperature for hours without any protection. There were dogs and cats in the area where the meat was processed. Heavily contaminated meat was on sale in conditions that caused other meat to become contaminated. Unpackaged fresh poultry was placed directly on the floor in perforated boxes. Illegal portions, and fake documents There is another serious infringement of the rules at the Rendi meat market: Carcasses are illegally cut into portions in some stores. According to the legislation, meat must be cut up at special places – which the market does not own – and then be taken to Rendi. But the report notes that attempts were made at the beginning of the inspectors’ visit to conceal evidence of this illegal practice by certain stores in the market. In some cases the inspectors found that large quantities of meat had been cut up, and in one instance the merchant presented fake documents to conceal such activity. The authorities concerned (the ministry and the prefecture) say that an official permit is required and that measures are taken to deal with infringements. Yet there were 61 prosecutions in 2000 compared with only nine in 2001.
