PHILIPSBURG:----The Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Inspectorate) has noted that often the labels on food and food products including (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverages are tampered with. The tampering can take place:
1) By erasing either the manufacture date and/or the expiry date on the product label;
2) By changing the accompanied manifest documents of the products, or
3) By erasing the product code on the product or the label itself (called decoding).
The practice of decoding starts when one deliberately removes the so-called lot codes from the label in order to make the product untraceable. For example, a typical lot number looks like this: L2220CM000 04020173. This means, that this particular product was produced on the 20th day in 2012 by the production plant with registration number 04020173. The lot code makes it very easy for the authorities to trace a product when a problem arises with the product. However, once products are decoded, it is almost impossible to trace the product.
As a result, the Inspectorate is stepping up inspections. Meanwhile the public is advised to be alert and follow these guidelines to keep you and your family safe:
• Carefully examine all food product packaging. Be aware of the normal appearance of food containers. Always compare the product are buying with the products on the shelves.
• Compare a suspect container with others on the shelf.
• Check for any sign of tampering of packaging. Make sure the product you choose to buy has an expiration date and a lot code on it.
• Do not purchase products if the package is open, torn, or damaged. This includes products on the shelf, in the refrigerator or freezer sections.
• Do not buy products that do not have a label nor an unusual looking label.
• Check the "sell-by" or expiry date printed on some products, and only buy items within that period.
The Inspectorate hereby states that according to our laws, it is prohibited to import, sell and/or export food products without taking into considerations the labeling requirements as laid down in the National decree on Food Labeling (AB 2013, GT no. 194).
The Decree states that all pre-packaged foods and food products, including (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverages must have information, instructions and warnings on the production batch that comprises the following:
- The product name;
- Ingredients list;
- The net quantity of the product;
- The minimum best-before date or expiry date;
- The nutritional value and highlighted information on allergens;
- Instructions for use;
- Alcoholic strength by volume (if applicable);
- Origin, manufacturer, packer or seller information;
The information must be provided at least in English and Dutch.
The Inspectorate encourages the public to be alert and report any case of suspected tampering to the Inspectorate.
