Romanian consumer watchdog fines Bâlea Lac vendors over 300,000 lei for expired food

The National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) carried out a large‑scale inspection of food‑service operators and accommodation providers in the Bâlea Lac tourist area of Romania. Inspectors found numerous violations, including food products past their expiry dates, meat and dairy stored at inappropriate temperatures, rusted and un‑sanitized refrigeration units, and missing mandatory labeling.

As a result, ANPC issued 54 fines totalling more than 300,000 lei, issued 35 warnings, withdrew products worth over 70,000 lei from sale and temporarily suspended the services of one operator until deficiencies were corrected. The action is part of a summer‑season campaign to ensure food safety and consumer information in tourist zones, with further checks planned in other Romanian resorts.