Corfu, October 29 – Twelve days have passed since a devastating fire completely destroyed the Gogakis frozen food warehouse in the early hours of October 17, yet authorities have taken almost no steps to tackle the growing public health crisis, according to local politician A. Avlonitis.
Government Inaction Leaves Tons of Spoiled Food Unremoved
In a scathing statement released on Wednesday, Avlonitis criticized the Greek government’s response to the warehouse fire’s aftermath, noting that no measures have been implemented by the Ministry of Environment to properly remove and dispose of tons of spoiled, contaminated food products.
The situation has worsened to the point that illegal dumping of hazardous materials has taken place, leading to arrests. According to Avlonitis, the lack of coordination between government ministries has left residents of the Alepou area, a densely populated suburb of Corfu city with numerous businesses, exposed to severe health risks for nearly two weeks.
“We learned that meeting after meeting was held with Mr. Grafakos, but tell us, where did they lead?” Avlonitis said, referring to the regional official involved in crisis management discussions.
Illegal Dumping Attempt Sparks Regional Outrage
The crisis escalated when authorities tried to illegally dispose of the spoiled food and burned plastic materials in the Epirus region. The move sparked widespread protests from residents of both Corfu and Epirus, prompting intervention by Mr. Grafakos.
It later emerged that the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (ΥΠΑΑΤ) had issued a written permit on October 23, 2025, authorizing the transport of destroyed animal-origin products from Corfu to Preveza. However, this permit was withdrawn the following evening after public outcry.
Ministry of Environment Claims Ignorance
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment said it had no knowledge of the permit issued by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The ministry also sought to shift responsibility for what Avlonitis described as “tragically slow reflexes” in responding to the crisis.
“What kind of situation is this?” Avlonitis asked, pointing to the apparent lack of coordination between government agencies responsible for environmental protection and food safety.
Ministry of Health Remains Silent for 12 Days
Perhaps most troubling, according to Avlonitis, is the total inaction by the Ministry of Health, which bears primary responsibility for protecting public health. For twelve straight days, the ministry has remained a “mere spectator,” subjecting the entire Alepou area to conditions of unbearable odors and leaving residents fearful of the toxins released into the air after the catastrophic fire.
“I challenge the Ministry of Health to tell us what specific measures it took, with what timeline, and with what plan to address the fire’s consequences for public health,” Avlonitis said in his announcement.
Residents Left to Breathe Toxic Air
The politician demanded answers on behalf of residents and business owners in the wider Alepou area: “Do residents and professionals have the right to know, or did you leave them breathing poisons because governmental negligence hit ‘red’ for 12 consecutive days?”
The Alepou district, near Corfu city center, is home to thousands of residents and hosts numerous commercial enterprises. The area has suffered severe air quality deterioration since the fire, with residents reporting persistent foul odors and worries about exposure to hazardous substances released during the combustion of frozen food products, plastics, and refrigeration materials.
Timeline of the Crisis
The fire at the Gogakis frozen food warehouse broke out in the early morning hours of October 17, 2025. The facility was completely destroyed, with flames consuming tons of frozen food products, packaging materials, and refrigeration equipment.
In the days after the fire, multiple government meetings were held to discuss the cleanup and disposal of contaminated materials. However, according to Avlonitis, these meetings produced no concrete action plan or timeline for addressing the public health emergency.
On October 23, six days after the fire, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food issued a permit allowing the transport of animal-origin waste from Corfu to Preveza. This decision was taken without consulting environmental authorities or local communities in the receiving area.
When news of the planned transfer became public on October 24, residents of Epirus protested strongly against the illegal dumping in their region. The permit was revoked that same evening, yet no alternative solution was provided.
Arrests Made in Connection with Illegal Dumping
The situation worsened further when authorities discovered illegal attempts to dispose of the hazardous materials. Law enforcement made several arrests in connection with unauthorized dumping of spoiled food and fire debris, though specific details of the arrests have not been publicly disclosed.
The illegal dumping incidents highlight the urgency to remove the contaminated materials from the fire site, as well as the absence of a coordinated government response to provide lawful and safe disposal options.
Three Ministries, Zero Coordination
Avlonitis’s statement points to the failure of three separate government ministries to coordinate an effective response:
The Ministry of Environment failed to put in place any measures for the proper removal and disposal of spoiled food and fire debris, despite having primary responsibility for waste management and environmental protection.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food issued a transport permit without coordinating with environmental authorities, then revoked it under public pressure without offering an alternative solution.
The Ministry of Health took no action at all to protect public health, despite the clear risks posed by decomposing food products and toxic combustion residues in a densely populated urban area.
Public Health Concerns Mount
The prolonged exposure of Alepou residents to foul odors and potentially toxic air poses serious public health concerns. Decomposing animal products can release harmful bacteria and gases, while burned plastics and refrigeration materials may have released toxic compounds, including dioxins, furans, and other hazardous substances.
Without air quality monitoring, health advisories, or a clear cleanup timeline, residents have been left in the dark about the real risks they face. Children, older residents, and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of prolonged exposure to contaminated air.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The crisis has become a political flashpoint, with Avlonitis’s statement representing the most direct and comprehensive criticism of the government’s handling of the situation to date. His challenge to the Ministry of Health to publicly disclose its action plan – or admit it has none – puts significant pressure on authorities to respond.
The incident also raises broader questions about Greece’s readiness to handle industrial accidents and environmental emergencies, particularly in island communities where disposal options are limited and coordination with mainland authorities is essential.
What Happens Next?
As of Wednesday evening, October 29, no government ministry has announced a concrete plan to remove and properly dispose of the contaminated materials from the Gogakis warehouse site. The spoiled food continues to decompose, the burned debris remains in place, and residents of Alepou continue to endure hazardous conditions.
Local authorities in Corfu have limited jurisdiction over the matter, since waste disposal and public health emergency responses fall under the purview of national ministries. Without coordinated action from Athens, the crisis is likely to continue.
The case has also drawn attention to the need for improved emergency response protocols, better inter-ministerial coordination, and more transparency in communicating health risks to affected communities.
Avlonitis’s statement ended with a demand for accountability and immediate action to protect the health and safety of Corfu residents who have been abandoned by their government for nearly two weeks.
Source: https://www.kerkyrasimera.gr/a-aylonitisyparchei-mia-anypofori-akros-epikindyni-katastasi-gia-ti-dimosia-ygeia-stin-kerkyra/
