FVA: 70 tons of unsafe food destroyed, 122 tons returned by neighbours
Food and Veterinary Agency announces tougher import/export checks after dozens of shipments were returned and tens of tonnes were destroyed.
The Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) reported that more than 70 tons of unsafe food have been destroyed since the start of the year, while 122 tons of Macedonian shipments were returned by neighbouring markets. Agency officials said inspections will be stepped up and penalties could be raised under a new law.
Border checks and market seizures
“Every country defends its quality and its product. But we held a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health about certain competences they have so we agreed to be more rigorous in imports and in exports. In the next two days there will be results from the FVA for everything that was seized,” said Oliver Milanov, director of the Food and Veterinary Agency.
Over the past eight months the Agency destroyed more than 70 tonnes of food judged unsafe, and dozens of tonnes of contaminated meat were also removed from the market. Inspectors recently seized two tonnes of food at the Cento green market and, according to the Agency, an additional six tonnes were confiscated from other markets today.
Croatia flagged 50 tonnes of fruit and vegetables from North Macedonia via the European rapid alert system, and shipments of peppers and table grapes were returned from Bulgaria and Montenegro amid pesticide concerns. Tests carried out in North Macedonia reportedly returned negative results, after which those products were either released for domestic sale or sent for processing.
“In one respect maybe the fines are small, but in another respect the fines are appropriate because the responsible person in the legal entity is fined, the legal entity is fined, and the person who is employed and who actually may be the reason why in the end we have an unsafe product is fined. All in all, when the fines are added up they are not as small as they appear in public. Of course the fine is reduced by 50% if paid within seven days,” said Svetlana Kolarić, state adviser on food.
The Agency urged consumers to check expiration dates and storage conditions before buying food. Officials said enhanced controls will target both imports and exports, and that the new law under discussion could double existing fines for operators who breach food safety rules.
Photo: press material from the event
