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

According to the Agency, the operators involved have been fined, and their production activities have been suspended.

“The National Food Agency continues its active efforts to identify illegal milk processing facilities across the country. Inspectors from the Agency’s Kakheti, Imereti, and Adjara Departments, following thorough investigations, uncovered unauthorised operations in Sighnaghi, Vani, Sachkhere, and Batumi.

During inspections at a cheese factory operated by an individual entrepreneur identified as Z.T. (located in 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. (based in 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. (located 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 National Food Agency urges all business operators to refrain from producing products without the necessary recognition and to adhere strictly to food safety regulations,” the Agency stated.