Expired tuna and fish in freezers: 26 tons seized between Sassari and Nuoro

The Coast Guard conducted a major operation in Northern Sardinia: over 26 tons of non-compliant fish were seized between Sassari and Nuoro following a comprehensive inspection of the fish supply chain.

The operation was conducted in recent days by the 15th Fishing Area Control Center of the Northern Sardinia Maritime Directorate.

The investigation began with an analysis of the documentation accompanying the fish shipments, which led to the identification of several unregistered companies based on the island.

The checks therefore focused on two warehouses linked to the same large-scale frozen food distribution center, located in the Predda Niedda industrial area in Sassari and in the Prato Sardo commercial area in Nuoro.

The most serious situation emerged at the Sassari plant, where the military found and seized over 26 tons of fish.

Specifically, 9,737 kilograms lacked the necessary traceability and labeling, in violation of European consumer information regulations: 7,073 kilograms of yellowfin tuna, 1,430 kilograms of little tuna, 634 kilograms of grey mullet, and 600 kilograms of squid tentacles. Another nearly 17,000 kilograms of various seafood products were found to be expired and therefore held in violation of food safety regulations.

The irregularities led to the imposition of two administrative fines for a total of 3,000 euros, in addition to the seizure of the entire quantity of goods .

Further investigations are underway, in coordination with the Sassari Local Health Authority, to determine any liability related to the failure to implement the required health self-monitoring procedures.

Parallel checks were also carried out in Nuoro, where a second Coast Guard inspection team seized 2,400 kilos of expired fish products as a precaution , imposing an administrative fine of 2,000 euros for violations of hygiene and food safety.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Sassari and Nuoro local health authorities, "confirms the Coast Guard's consistent and comprehensive work in monitoring the seafood supply chain, from production to distribution," the Maritime Directorate emphasizes, "with the aim of ensuring transparency, traceability, and safety of food placed on the market, protecting consumers and operators who comply with the rules."