ANPC inspections on Romania’s coast uncovered numerous irregularities at restaurants, hotels, shops and other businesses providing products or services to tourists. Between 27 July and 2 August 2026, inspectors checked 207 businesses and imposed fines totalling more than Lei 1.44 million.
The inspections were conducted under the “A.N.P.C. Estival 2026” programme, through which the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) maintains inspection teams on the Black Sea coast throughout the summer season.
The actions focused on compliance with rules on food safety, storage conditions, accurate customer information, price displays and the quality of services provided to tourists.
Fines of more than Lei 1.44 million after ANPC inspections
Following inspections of the 207 businesses, ANPC inspectors issued more than 230 administrative fines, with the total value of penalties exceeding Lei 1.44 million.
- more than 230 administrative fines;
- fines totalling more than Lei 1.44 million;
- 194 warnings;
- products worth more than Lei 410,000 checked;
- non-compliant products worth more than Lei 102,000 permanently removed from sale;
- products worth more than Lei 30,000 temporarily withdrawn from sale;
- services suspended at seven businesses until deficiencies are remedied.
The measures did not concern food-service establishments alone. Inspections also covered accommodation facilities, shops, textile and footwear retailers, toy sellers and other businesses operating in Black Sea resorts.
Irregularities found at restaurants and food-service establishments
A significant share of the violations was identified in the food-service sector. Inspectors found expired food products, improper storage conditions and refrigeration equipment that had not been properly maintained.
- food products past their use-by date;
- failure to observe holding temperatures for hot dishes;
- food stored at temperatures other than those recommended;
- unhygienic refrigerators and refrigeration units;
- ice build-up, rust or impurities in refrigeration equipment;
- insufficiently sanitised storage areas;
- beverages stored in unsuitable conditions;
- raw materials without clear identification and traceability information;
- cooking oil showing an advanced level of thermal degradation;
- no records of checks and replacement of oil used to prepare food.
Such problems can directly affect the safety of products offered to consumers. Tourists are advised to pay attention to the appearance of food, the cleanliness of the premises and the conditions in which displayed products are stored.
Missing allergen information: a common problem
Inspectors also found incomplete customer information on ingredients and substances with allergenic potential in the dishes served.
Restaurants and food-service establishments must provide clear information about ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. This information is particularly important for people with food allergies or intolerances.
Before ordering, consumers can ask staff for information about a dish’s contents. Where information is missing or unclear, choosing another product or another establishment is recommended.
Irregularities found at coastal hotels and accommodation facilities
ANPC inspections also examined how accommodation providers inform customers. In some cases, tourists did not have access to mandatory information on rates and services offered.
- failure to display the maximum rates charged;
- lack of informational materials on additional services;
- incomplete information on accommodation conditions;
- missing details needed to contact or identify the business;
- lack of information on how complaints can be resolved.
Before making a reservation, tourists should check which services are included in the price, whether there are additional charges and what the cancellation terms are. The booking confirmation and proof of payment should be kept for the entire stay.
Dangerous toys and products without information in Romanian
Inspectors also identified non-food products that did not meet information and safety requirements. These included toys considered dangerous and products without instructions and warnings translated into Romanian.
- toys that could pose risks to children;
- packaging without information translated into Romanian;
- missing name and address of the manufacturer or importer;
- no consumer contact point;
- incomplete information on textile products and footwear.
Parents are advised to check markings, recommended-age warnings and the product’s condition before buying a toy from seasonal retailers.
What tourists should check before making a purchase
To reduce the risk of problems, consumers can carry out a few simple checks before paying for a product or service.
- Check that prices are clearly displayed and that the price at the checkout matches the advertised price.
- Ask for a receipt, invoice or another document proving the purchase.
- Check the expiry date of packaged foods.
- Avoid products displayed directly in the sun or kept in unsuitable spaces.
- Ask for allergen information before ordering food.
- Check the booking terms before paying for accommodation.
- Photograph any problems found in a room, restaurant or shop.
- Keep conversations, booking confirmations and proof of payments made.
How to file a complaint with ANPC
In the event of a problem, the consumer should first try to speak with a representative of the business and request that the issue be remedied, a refund be issued or the product be replaced, as applicable.
If the issue is not resolved, a complaint may be submitted to the National Authority for Consumer Protection. The complaint should include the trader’s details, a description of the situation and documents proving the purchase.
- a receipt, invoice or proof of payment;
- the contract or booking confirmation;
- relevant photographs or recordings;
- conversations with the business;
- the name and address of the business being reported;
- the date on which the incident occurred.
For issues encountered on the coast during the 2026 season, ANPC provided the email address estival2026@anpc.ro and the telephone number 0779 955 111.
Consumers can also use the official complaints form available through ANPC’s electronic platform. A complete submission accompanied by evidence can be checked more easily than a complaint that does not contain essential documents.
Inspections will continue throughout the summer season
The “A.N.P.C. Estival 2026” programme involves maintaining a permanent presence of inspectors on Romania’s coast. The authority aims to prevent unfair commercial practices, inform tourists and penalise businesses that do not comply with consumer-protection legislation.
For more information about ANPC, see also Summer season 2026 on the coast: what ANPC checks before holidays and tourists’ rights, which provides complementary details on this subject.
The results of inspections conducted between 27 July and 2 August show that tourists need to pay attention both to the quality of food products and to information on accommodation, prices and additional services.
Keeping the receipt and documenting problems with photographs can make a difference when a complaint needs to be filed.
Frequently asked questions
How many fines did ANPC issue on the coast?
Between 27 July and 2 August 2026, ANPC issued more than 230 administrative fines, with a total value of more than Lei 1.44 million.
How many businesses were inspected?
ANPC inspectors checked 207 businesses operating in resorts on Romania’s coast.
What irregularities were found in restaurants?
Inspectors identified expired food, improper storage temperatures, unhygienic refrigerators, missing allergen information and inadequately maintained storage areas.
Where can tourists report problems encountered on the coast?
Tourists can send information to the A.N.P.C. Estival 2026 programme at estival2026@anpc.ro or call 0779 955 111. Official complaints can also be filed through ANPC’s electronic platform.
What documents are needed for a complaint?
Useful documents include the receipt or proof of payment, photographs, booking confirmation, conversations with the business and the identifying details of the business being reported.
Source of information: National Authority for Consumer Protection – A.N.P.C. Estival 2026.
