Today, the president of the Order of Veterinarians, Ervin Suli, wrote in a post on his Facebook page that a quantity of mandarins originating from Albania that was intended for the European market, is from foreign authorities, due to a level high pesticide residues, banned by EU countries.
Regarding this news, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also reacted, which, describing the news as true, writes that it has started taking measures regarding the returned export loads.
The Ministry also informs that specifically, it is about three loads of clementine mandarins, exported by food collection entities located in Berat and Fier. According to the Ministry, two of the cargoes have arrived at the country of origin.
The reaction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development:
In the framework of transparency for the public, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development informs the local consumer that the National Food Authority immediately after receiving the notification from the Rapid Notification System for Food and Animal Feed - RASFF has started verifications and tracking through the Regional Directorates for the identification and taking action on returned mandarin product export shipments.
Specifically, it is about three loads of clementine mandarins, exported by food collecting entities located in Berat and Fier. Two of the cargoes have arrived at the country of origin.
One of these cargoes was sent by AKU - Border Inspection Point, to the exporting entity and the cargo was disposed of by farmers with address Gorican Village, Dimal Municipality, Berat District and Mursi Village, Konispol Municipality, Vlorë District. After tracking and receiving the accompanying information, we clarify that the laboratory analysis with No. 24112916.001, on 14.11.2024 for the purpose of self-control by the exporting entity, it was carried out in a laboratory in Bari, Italy. According to the test report, the product was compliant with regard to the level of pesticide residues.
The other load is currently blocked in the collecting entity located in Fier County and the product disposal procedure will be carried out by this Food Business Operator in cooperation with the Regional Tax Directorates, the National Food Authority and the National Environment Authority. This shipment was not accompanied by a laboratory report, as it is not a legal obligation for the exporting entities, which carry out this process within the control itself.
The third shipment announced with residues above the norm of Plant Protection Products has not yet arrived in the Republic of Albania. Nor was this shipment accompanied by an analysis sheet.
Regarding the first shipment mentioned above, we inform you that the National Food Authority has immediately taken measures for administrative offenses in the relevant entity located in Berat by fining and blocking the activity of the entity for non-implementation of the legislation in force. In cooperation with the National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority, measures are being taken for farmers who have used plant protection products banned in the Republic of Albania.
Pursuant to the Decision of the Council of Ministers 335, dated 6.6.2018 "On the approval of the rules for the registration, procedure and evaluation criteria of plant protection products", the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development updates the lists of permitted products according to the recommendations of European Union Regulations. This case, which is contrary to the legal provisions in force, will be referred to the Law Enforcement Institutions.
The General Directorate of the National Food Authority has taken immediate measures by setting up working groups for the analysis, assessment of the situation on the coordination for the follow-up of procedural actions in each link of the implementation of the official control of the case.
Food safety is a common challenge, we take the opportunity to draw the attention of every Albanian farmer and producer to fulfill their legal obligations, as well as to respect good work practices throughout the production chain on the farm by using only permitted products, under the supervision of professionals and respecting the grace period, to guarantee safe domestic production for the Albanian consumer and international markets. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
