FLASH
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Food safety is the next test that Albania must pass. This is in an effort to gain the trust of consumers and at the same time to obtain the approval of the European Union institutions. On World Food Day, the country is far from this objective.
" We need to create a reliable infrastructure for our consumers. And as long as there are scandals, this objective has not yet been achieved. The inspectorate also does not provide guarantees. It is not very reliable, " Sokol Stafa, an expert in food product certification, told A2 CNN.
The European Union still does not allow the import of dairy and meat products from Albania.
“ To gain market trust and comply with EU standards, we need a strong laboratory network, a product traceability system and continuous training of inspectors. Without transparency in controls, clear protocols and punitive measures for violators, even the best efforts will fail. The consumer needs to know that the product he buys is safe. This requires political will, investment and close cooperation between the public sector, producers and international stakeholders .”
For local traders, the products are safe. " Everything we have is safe for consumption. Citizens buy ," said a meat trader.
However, it is widely accepted that strengthening the national agri-food control system is a shared responsibility involving various stakeholders, including government bodies, the food industry, and consumers.
" We need decision-making and transparency so that consumers have confidence in what they buy. Consumers need more information. Albania as a candidate for the EU has an important role to implement EU standards, so that Albanian consumers enjoy the same protection and level of trust as EU citizens ," said Hasan Stafa from the Office for Consumer Protection.
Albanian consumers need to have greater transparency and trust in the products they consume. This is at a time when locally produced tangerines, peppers, tomatoes, and peaches are found to be contaminated with pesticides at border crossings in other countries.
" We need to completely change our mindset and cooperate because otherwise we cannot succeed ," he said.
Awaiting the publication of the European Commission's progress report, sources for A2CNN claim that Albania has received a "failing" grade in chapter 12, "Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy."
According to the report, “Albania has a level of policy preparation in the field of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary. However, no progress has been made during the reporting period. Considerable efforts are needed to harmonize legislation with the EU acquis and implement it. / A2CNN
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