VIP lounge at Fortaleza Airport is closed due to containing expired products and other irregularities

The VIP Lounge at Fortaleza Airport was closed and another 15 establishments were fined by the State Consumer Protection and Defense Program (Decon) on Wednesday (11). The Public Ministry of Ceará (MPCE) said that the fines occurred due to non-compliance with consumer protection standards, including health requirements and information duties.

According to the MPCE, the "most serious" irregularities were found in the VIP Room, where food that had expired was found. (Read more details below). In a statement, Banco Inter, responsible for the space, said that it temporarily closed the VIP Room to adapt the protocols indicated by the authorities.

"We emphasize that the occurrence is an isolated fact and we have already completed a rigorous internal audit, together with partners responsible for operating the space, with the aim of resuming activities in the shortest possible time", he added.

The inspection took place in restaurants, cafeterias, stores and financial services. Among the irregularities found are:

Lack of information about ingredients and allergens in foods

Display of products without visible prices

The absence of the Consumer Complaints Book

Absence and copy of the Consumer Protection Code (CDC)

Lack of mandatory documents, such as Operating License and Certificate of Compliance from the Fire Department

Flaws in food handling and conservation practices.

'More serious' situation in the VIP room

Banco Inter's VIP room at Fortaleza Airport is closed by Decon. — Photo: MPCE/Reproduction

The Public Prosecutor's Office highlighted that the "most serious situation" occurred in the VIP Room, where inspectors found expired food stored in the kitchen and split products without identifying the date of handling or expiration date.

The establishment also did not present a valid operating license or certificate of compliance from the Fire Department. In view of the irregularities and risks to consumers' health, Decon ordered the total closure of the space and the destruction of products considered unfit for consumption.

In addition to the ban, the operation resulted in the issuing of infraction notices and findings in another 14 establishments in the terminal, mainly due to non-compliance with standards related to the right to information, transparency in the supply of products and food safety.