Esro Vlees declared bankrupt following NVWA intervention

The management of Esro Vlees has filed for bankruptcy after the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) revoked its accreditation with immediate effect. As a result, the meat processing company from North Brabant had to abruptly cease its operations.

The reason for the intervention is an investigation by the NVWA last month, in which the company is suspected of processing cattle parts allegedly unsuitable for human consumption. Hygiene protocols were also allegedly not adhered to, and possibly spoiled meat was processed. In addition, the NVWA is investigating whether products were supplied to customers without the required authorization.

The Intelligence and Investigation Service of the NVWA raided the company last week. During the raid, the records were seized and meat was destroyed on-site. The NVWA subsequently decided to revoke the accreditation. A recall has also been initiated for products that reached more than 200 customers. According to the regulator, this measure was taken as a precaution. There are no known reports of consumers becoming ill.

Suspicions
The management of Esro Vlees states that no court ruling has been made and that there are only suspicions. According to the company, the revocation of the permit has brought a successful enterprise with a history of more than 50 years to a standstill, making continuation no longer possible. Approximately 60 employees and over 100 temporary workers will lose their jobs.

The management calls the course of events disproportionate and points out that other entities within the Esro Food Group are not involved in the bankruptcy.

The bankruptcy trustee is investigating whether a restart of (parts of) the activities is possible, in consultation with the parties involved.

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