Lousã business association protests frequent ASAE inspections

The Serra da Lousã Business Association (AESL) has expressed significant concern regarding the high frequency of inspections conducted by the Economic and Food Safety Authority (ASAE) in the Lousã municipality. The association is questioning whether these enforcement actions follow criteria of proportionality and equal treatment compared to other regions, such as Lisbon, Porto, or Faro.

AESL highlighted that the public disclosure of these operations on social media could create a negative perception of the entire municipality's business community. The concern follows 'Operação Terras de Xisto', an ASAE operation that inspected 125 economic operators, resulting in the suspension of three food and beverage establishments and one gym, along with 45 administrative offense proceedings.

Common irregularities identified during the operation included hygiene deficiencies, lack of HACCP self-control systems, missing allergen information, labeling errors, and issues regarding price displays and complaint books. ASAE justified the intensive operation by noting that Lousã is one of the most significant tourist attractions in the region.