Heusden-Zolder (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leopoldsburg and Heusden-Zolder saw flex inspections by police, ARIEC Limburg, FASFC, and others. One Leopoldsburg business closed; an undocumented worker was caught in Heusden-Zolder. Annemie De Boye commented.
Police and inspectors carried out joint flex inspections in Leopoldsburg and Heusden-Zolder, in the province of Limburg, Belgium. Yesterday, Nov 13, 2025, authorities conducted inspections at several shops and restaurants in Leopoldsburg. The checks focused on food safety, correct product displays, compliance with economic rules, and proper working conditions. Inspectors visited multiple businesses to ensure public safety and verify that regulations were being followed.
What violations were found during flex inspections in Limburg?
During the inspections, several violations were discovered. One business had repeatedly violated food safety and economic regulations. After consulting the mayor, the authorities decided to close this business for one month.
Other merchants received warnings for incorrect price labels, poor display of electronic payment options, problems with storage temperatures, and violations of the tobacco sale ban. Inspectors also reported cases of undeclared work, including the employment of an illegal worker. In a separate case, an Italian man was intercepted by authorities for allegedly trying to sell counterfeit watches.
Last Friday, Nov 7, 2025, several hair salons in Heusden-Zolder were inspected by the police and different inspection services. During the checks, an undocumented man was found working at one of the salons.
He was carrying a false Bulgarian passport. The Immigration Office took him into custody and transferred him to a closed reception centre. He will remain there while the authorities arrange his repatriation.
The inspections were part of a larger initiative called the “flex action,” aimed at checking compliance with labour laws and working conditions. Inspectors also discovered 2 problems in the salons’ personnel administration. In addition, they found several minor violations of workplace rules. The hairdressers involved received formal warnings and were instructed to correct the issues.
“Hairdressing salons are among the vulnerable sectors we monitor proactively,”
says Annemie De Boye of ARIEC Limburg.
“But these kinds of checks aren’t limited to hairdressing salons. Other businesses, such as night shops and car washes, are also particularly vulnerable to criminal infiltration and money laundering.”
In a multidisciplinary inspection, known as a flex action, several authorities work together to check businesses and public places. The police led the operation, supported by the economic inspectorate, to check commercial rules. The social inspectorate looks at working conditions and employee rights. The fire brigade inspects fire safety measures, and municipal services check local regulations.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) often joins to control hygiene and food safety. By working together, these inspections can uncover a wide range of problems, from labour and economic violations to fire hazards and unsafe food practices, ensuring that businesses operate legally and safely.
