Inspectors from Georgia’s National Food Agency have shut down an unregistered meat-processing operation in Samegrelo, in western Georgia. The underground facility in the village of Marani, Abasha municipality, was producing traditional Georgian kupaty and smoked sausages sold through the internet and social media.
Unregistered sales
According to the agency, a local resident ran the operation. Despite active online trading, the business was not listed in the register of economic activities and lacked the mandatory agency authorization required for food production.
Inspection findings
During an unscheduled inspection, inspectors found missing documentation and serious breaches of sanitary requirements. Published photos show production taking place in an outbuilding where meat products were cured in a traditional smokehouse.
The agency said the informal, home-style smokehouse did not mitigate the violations. Enforcement action followed the documented violations.
