Daily Life: Food safety news in Portugal

ASAE opens two proceedings and suspends a restaurant during operation at train and bus terminals

The authority inspected 98 establishments

Expert issues warning about one of the most consumed coffees in Portugal: "It should be banned"

A specialist warns against the consumption of a specific type of coffee widely popular in Portugal, suggesting it should be prohibited.

TVI26 Jul

“A tomato has more technology than an iPhone”

“Myths do not feed”: João Cardoso debunks myths related to agriculture and food: organic food has chemicals, natural is not always good for you, and food was not safer in the past.

ASAE asks Portuguese citizens to report labelling errors

The Inspector-General of the ASAE is calling on the Portuguese public to be vigilant regarding labels and to report any errors or issues detected, as part of an ongoing European campaign.

Do you know what you are buying? ASAE challenges consumers to read labels

The Inspector-General of the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE), Luís Filipe Lourenço, has urged the public to pay close attention to food labels and report any errors or issues as part of the ongoing European 'Safe4eat' campaign. The initiative, involving 23 countries, aims to raise awareness about food safety by providing practical, science-based guidance to help consumers make informed choices, avoid being misled, and reduce food waste. The campaign also covers balanced diets, nutritional needs, and the safety of additives and allergens to ensure transparency and consumer trust.

Unfit food, unhygienic kitchens and illegal gambling lead ASAE to suspend 183 establishments

The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) suspended 183 catering and beverage establishments and arrested nine people during an operation to monitor compliance with sector regulations. Conducted in the first half of the year, the operation aimed to ensure adherence to legal standards and promote high quality and food safety. ASAE inspected approximately 4,000 economic operators, resulting in 183 immediate suspensions, 155 criminal proceedings, and 1,041 administrative offences. Infractions included the sale of spoiled food, illegal gambling, and poor sanitary conditions in kitchens and preparation areas. Over four tonnes of food products, including meat, fish, and oils, were seized, along with weighing equipment and gambling paraphernalia.

ASAE arrests nine people and suspends 183 catering and beverage establishments

155 criminal proceedings were initiated and 1041 economic operators were found with administrative offences.

Have you heard of the "Breakfast Directive"?

Eating fruit is important and tasty, but we do not always know where what we are eating comes from, whether it is truly natural, or if it contains hidden ingredients. Get to know the updates in the new “Breakfast Directive”.

Portugal Food Safety 2026 programme now available

The official programme for the Portugal Food Safety 2026 initiative has been released.

Agroportal16 Jul

Lidl recalls Dubai-style ice cream due to allergy risk

Lidl is recalling its 'Dubai-Style Ice Cream' from stores because it cannot rule out the presence of cashews, though it confirmed the product is safe for consumption by those without allergies.

Lidl issues allergy warning and recalls pistachio and chocolate ice cream

Supermarket chain Lidl has issued a warning regarding the consumption of an ice cream it is withdrawing from the market due to the potential presence of cashew nuts, which may cause reactions in allergic individuals. The product in question is the 'Dubai Style Pistachio Flavour & Chocolate Ice Cream - 500 ml' from the '1001 delights' brand, specifically with expiry dates of 04/12/2027 and 05/12/2027. Customers who have purchased the item can return it to any Lidl store for a full refund, even without a receipt. The company clarified that the product is safe for those without a cashew allergy.

Lidl recalls Dubai-style ice cream due to presence of cashew nut posing allergy risk

Lidl Portugal is recalling the product, with expiry dates of 04/12/2027 and 05/12/2027, the company announced.

Lidl recalls Dubai chocolate-style ice cream due to the presence of an allergen

Home News Lidl recalls Dubai chocolate-style ice cream due to the presence of an allergen Lidl recalls Dubai chocolate-style ice cream due to the presence of an allergen Supermarket chain Lidl issued a warning about an ice cream it is withdrawing from the market due to the potential presence of c

ASAE seizes approximately 21,000 litres of wine and sparkling wine in the Central region

As a result, two administrative offence proceedings were initiated.

FAO wants to limit the 'may contain' label on food products

In a statement, the FAO claims that the 'may contain' reference on labels has been used arbitrarily by manufacturers. Excessive use may lead people with allergies to avoid purchasing products.

Do we have the safest food system in the world?

Between myths and theories, what is the truth about our food system? To understand it, we spoke with Felisbela Torres de Campos from CropLife Portugal.

Around 50 people treated for suspected food poisoning during youth tournament

Most of those affected are young athletes participating in the “Footmania” tournament in Caldas da Rainha. The ASAE inspected the supplier restaurant and found no issues.

Butter, honey, ketchup: what actually needs to go in the fridge

Mayonnaise? Jams? Mustard? Find out, once and for all, where you should store these and other condiments

Algarve citrus producers warn “stolen oranges” sold along EN125 may not be safe to eat

Several citrus producers in the municipality of Silves in the Algarve are reporting a sharp increase in orange thefts, with some claiming losses of several tonnes of fruit worth tens The post Algarve citrus producers warn “stolen oranges” sold along EN125 may not be safe to eat appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Wine controls dominate enforcement operations in Portugal

Food Safety News15 Jun

World Food Safety Day / Viva Fair Brings Food Safety And Sustainability To The Community In Lisbon

Global Agriculture11 Jun

Europe confirms veto on Brazilian meat and suspends imports starting in September

Brazil loses authorisation to export meat to the region following a stalemate over the use of antimicrobials. The bloc states that the country failed to prove the adoption of measures that were supposed to come into effect by 3 September.

Restaurant in Queluz had 500 kilograms of food unfit for consumption

The PSP and the Sintra Municipal Police closed the establishment.

ASAE seizes approximately 4,300 litres of wine and 27,000 labels for improper use

The labelling omitted the nutritional declaration and the list of ingredients, in clear breach of applicable legislation.

Studies link food additives to cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

High consumption of food dyes is associated with a 14% increase in the risk of cancer in general.

Microplastics detected in packaged baby food

Research analysed samples of Nestlé and Danone products and detected up to 54 microplastic particles per gram of food in yoghurt pouches and up to 99 in fruit purée pouches.

Meat and animals from Brazil banned from entering the EU from September

The updated list excludes Brazil, which in 2024 was permitted to export animals and meat to the EU, among other products. The European Commission confirmed that Brazil is not included in the list, meaning it will no longer be able to export goods to the EU—including live animals for food production and derived products such as cattle, horses, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, honey, and casings—effective from 3 September. To be reinstated, Brazil must ensure compliance with EU requirements regarding the use of antimicrobials throughout the lifecycle of the animals. The EU prohibits the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion and restricts the use of antibiotics reserved for human infections. Other Mercosur countries remain on the authorized list.