The Belgian Minister of Agriculture has condemned an attack on a food inspector, which left her needing hospital treatment.

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said two female inspectors were subjected to verbal and physical threats this past week from staff of a food establishment operating without a permit.

One of the officers was assaulted and suffered a concussion from a blow to the head. She was treated by emergency services and hospitalized. Computer equipment was also significantly damaged.

Unregistered operations
The re-inspection in Quaregnon followed an initial control visit in April, during which the establishment was fined for not having FASFC authorization. A case was opened and is being investigated by the police.

The Minister of Agriculture, David Clarinval, condemned the “unacceptable” attack.

“Attacking those who ensure the safety of our food chain is an attack on the rule of law and the protection of all citizens. FASFC agents must be able to carry out their essential mission with respect and in complete safety. I wish to express my full support to the victims and to all agency staff,” he said.

In situations wher threats are made against staff, FASFC action includes filing a complaint with the police; providing monitoring and support to victims; FASFC may file a civil action in support of its employees; and measures are taken against the operator, which may include closure of the site.

Herman Diricks, FASFC managing director, said: “This latest act of violence against our officers is deeply shocking. We cannot allow an official inspection, carried out in the interest of public health, to degenerate into physical assault. I offer my full support to the colleagues involved, to whom I wish a speedy recovery, and more broadly to all of our field teams, who carry out their mission with professionalism and commitment.”

FASFC said in 2024, 51 threats and attacks were committed against its agents, and four judgments were handed down by courts and tribunals following acts of violence, threats, or resistance. Decisions resulted in prison sentences and/or fines, including compensation.

Questioning in egg case
Meanwhile, progress has been made in an investigation involving the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office and Federal Judicial Police (FGP) to see if eggs contaminated with Salmonella ended up on the market.

After questioning, the investigating judge decided to release a 31-year-old manager of a laying farm. The man is the operational manager of the company and welfare of the animals played a role in the judge’s decision.

The company is accused of not correctly informing customers about the withdrawal of eggs. It is also alleged that eggs were delivered to customers after the start of the judicial investigation and the blocking of sales at the business.

FASFC has issued a recall of affected ‘t Hennehof free-range and barn eggs from consumers and ordered the destruction of eggs still on farms or at points of sale.