Food Quality inspectors have intercepted a shipment of 1,400 kilos of chicken meat at Palma port, which was being transported at temperatures of up to 15 degrees, well above the required -18°C.
The Directorate General of Food Quality and Local Products intervened a shipment of 1,400 kilos of chicken meat at Palma port upon detecting that the transport did not guarantee the cold chain. The product, which should have been kept at -18 degrees, showed temperatures between 5.3 and 15 degrees, according to the Ministry of Fishing, Agriculture and Natural Environment.
During the inspection, the agents found that the vehicle was simultaneously transporting frozen and refrigerated meat, and that it lacked the mandatory temperature records that certify the preservation conditions during transit. Part of the merchandise showed clear signs of thawing, such as soft texture, condensation, and ice fragments, with a temperature of -1.8 degrees in the centre of the mass.
In light of these irregularities, the inspectors sealed and intervened the entire shipment and have initiated administrative actions as they consider that the facts could constitute a serious infringement of food safety.
The Ministry has reminded that these official controls are carried out constantly not only at Palma port but also at other ports and airports across the islands. These are strategic points through which tens of thousands of consumers pass daily, and in most cases, the inspection focuses on correcting labelling. In cases like this, the aim is public health, as a frozen product that has broken the cold chain can arrive in poor condition to the final consumer.
The intercepted chicken has not been marketed, so there is no risk to the population. The Directorate General of Food Quality will continue with periodic inspections to ensure that food is transported in accordance with current regulations.
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