FVA: Returned peppers and table grapes released after negative domestic tests
Agency statements: four consignments returned in three months were re-tested in North Macedonia; one pepper shipment from Croatia was destroyed.
The Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) said that several consignments of peppers and table grapes returned to North Macedonia from neighbouring countries were inspected at domestic laboratories and subsequently released for sale or further processing after tests showed no pesticide residues. ([fva.gov.mk](https://fva.gov.mk/en/fva?utm_source=openai))
Returned shipments checked locally, one destroyed
According to the Agency, in the past three months four consignments were returned to the country — three with peppers and one shipment of red table grapes. Inspections carried out abroad had identified pesticide residues above permitted limits, which is why the consignments had been refused entry at their intended destinations.
When the goods came back to North Macedonia, samples were taken and analysed in accredited domestic laboratories. "Laboratory analyses of the first pepper consignment from Bulgaria were carried out using accredited methods, and negative laboratory results for the presence of pesticide residues were obtained, after which it was released for trade or further processing," the Agency reported.
The second Bulgarian pepper consignment was re-analysed domestically as well: samples were tested at the state phytosanitary laboratory and at a laboratory in Strumica. No pesticide residues were detected at either facility, and the shipment was cleared.
Fourteen tonnes of dark (black) table grapes returned from Montenegro underwent the same procedure. Domestic testing also showed negative results, and the Agency authorised their release for sale or further processing.
One case differed: a consignment of red pepper of the "Kurtovska kapija" variety returned from Croatia was "harmlessly destroyed", the Agency said. Additionally, through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) the Agency received four notifications from Croatia concerning almost 50 tonnes of fruit and vegetables from North Macedonia — primarily plums and peppers. Some of those consignments were destroyed in Croatia, while others were held at the border and not released; the answer did not specify what later happened to the detained lots.
Photo: press material from the event
