EFET (Hellenic Food Authority, ΕΦΕΤ) checks whether a food business complies with the rules on hygiene, traceability and consumer information. A finding during an inspection can lead to a fine or other administrative measures. We help you be ready before the inspection and defend you afterwards.
What we handle
- Preparing for the inspection: the business file, the self-monitoring system (HACCP), records and traceability, in cooperation with a food technologist.
- Labelling and allergens: menus, labels and customer information.
- On the day of the inspection: what the inspectors ask for and what the inspection report they leave with you means.
- Fines and administrative measures: submissions at the hearing (ακρόαση), administrative objection (ένσταση), appeal to the court and applications for suspension.
- Product recalls: for producers, bakeries, catering and delivery businesses.
If you have just been inspected
- Keep a copy of everything you signed or were handed.
- Send us photos of the documents the same day.
- Correct straight away whatever was flagged and keep proof: invoices, photos, records.
- Note the date you received each document, because the deadlines run from that date.
- The deadlines are very short. Before a fine is imposed, you are invited to a hearing. An objection against the decision imposing the fine must be filed within 5 working days of notification. An appeal to the Administrative Court of First Instance (Διοικητικό Πρωτοδικείο) must be filed within 60 days and requires prior payment of 50% of the fine (Articles 24 and 31 of Law 4235/2014). Contact us on the same day you receive the decision.
The legal framework
The core rules are European: Regulation (EC) 178/2002 on general food law, Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on hygiene and HACCP, Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 on food information to consumers and allergens, and Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls. Regulation 852/2004 was amended in 2021 regarding allergen management and food safety culture. Administrative measures and fines in Greece are laid down mainly in Law 4235/2014 and the ministerial decisions implementing it.