The Tatranska Mliekaren dairy plant based in Kežmarok (Prešov region) has been fined half a million euro following an inspection by the State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS), according to the Hospodárske Noviny daily. Inspectors found that the percentage of lump sheep's cheese in the plant's 'Tatranska bryndza', stood at only 30 percent.
“Bryndza is required to contain at least 50 percent of sheep's cheese in its dry matter”, said Agriculture and Regional Development Ministry spokesman Peter Hajnala. The company claims that it didn't violate any regulations because the aforementioned product is manufactured in Poland. "The product contains the proportion of lump sheep's cheese in big letters as well as where it is produced. This information is available for customers in a visible place”, said Tatranska Mliekaren chief Lubomir Valcuha. The dairy plans to appeal against the fine, as it considers it to be devastating and disproportionate. The company, which employs close to 250 staff, had profits of €275,000 last year.
