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| Albanian National Food Authority employee |
Following an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture regarding returned shipments of clementines, the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU) has initiated thorough verifications. These shipments, originating from the village of Goriçan in the Dimal municipality, have raised serious concerns about compliance with food safety standards.
Rejected Clementine Shipments
The issue revolves around clementine mandarins exported by food collection entities operating in Goriçan, with primary distribution hubs in Berat and Fier. Two shipments have already been returned to their country of origin. One of the rejected batches was destroyed by the Border Inspection Point after laboratory analysis conducted in Bari, Italy, confirmed the presence of excessively high pesticide levels in the fruit.
Administrative Actions Taken
In response to these findings, AKU has taken swift administrative measures against the responsible entity in Goriçan, Dimal. The agency imposed fines and suspended the operations of the business involved, citing non-compliance with current food safety legislation. This decisive action aims to uphold Albania’s export credibility and safeguard public health.
Food Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident underscores the importance of stringent adherence to agricultural and food safety regulations, especially for products destined for international markets. The government and AKU are expected to intensify inspections and enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future and restore confidence among trade partners.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that Albania’s agricultural exports meet the highest quality standards, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable and safe food production.