The National Food Agency [NFA] has reported the discovery of illegal milk processing enterprises in Sighnaghi, Vani, Sachkhere, and Batumi.

"Inspectors from the NFA`s Kakheti, Imereti, and Adjara Departments, following thorough investigations, uncovered unauthorized operations in Sighnaghi, Vani, Sachkhere, and Batumi.

During inspections at a cheese factory operated by an individual entrepreneur identified as Z.T. [Jugaani, Sighnaghi], inspectors from Kakheti identified both critical and non-critical non-conformities. The operator was operating without the mandatory recognition from the Agency and was not registered in the Register of Economic Activities.

Similarly, an individual entrepreneur identified as G.M. [Salkhino, Vani] was found to be engaged in cheese processing without the necessary recognition. Violations were detected in the production of Sulguni and Nadughi cheeses, and the finished products were not properly labelled.

Critical non-conformities were also identified at the illegal cheese factory owned by a person identified as A.Kh. [in Jalaurta, Sachkhere], where the operator was functioning without the required recognition.

Inspectors from the Adjara Department also uncovered cases of wholesale sale of milk-based products without the necessary recognition and registration. D.S. (residing at Cholokashvili Street, Batumi) was involved in purchasing and selling milk products that failed to meet hygiene standards and were stored improperly. Additionally, LLC "Guria" [on Komakhidze Street, Batumi] was operating without the required recognition.

All operators involved have been fined, and their production activities suspended. The NFA urges all business operators to refrain from producing products without the necessary recognition and to adhere strictly to food safety regulations", - reads the statement.