Education and Science, Foodstuff, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

From April 13 to 17, the Food and Veterinary Service carried out inspections at 78 school catering companies. Violations were established at 54 (69%), 37 of which failed to comply with food regulations.

At 20 companies, the energy value of food was below the norm, and the amount of the weekly rations was insufficient. In some cases, the menu did not have a main dish or lacked variety.

14 companies failed to specify all the required information about the foods on the menu, changes were not coordinated with the institution.

Another 14 companies provided food, which does not comply with the applied requirements or is prohibited, for example, dumplings and sausages containing insufficient amount of meat or lacking information about the amount of salt in the product.

43 companies violated hygiene requirements and used expired or spoiled products.

According to the Food and Veterinary Service, catering at elementary schools is provided by 912 companies in Latvia, and by 807 at pre-school education institutions.