EU Commission reports on food safety in five countries

The European Commission has reported on developments related to the food safety control systems of five potential European Union countries, including Ukraine and Turkey.

As part of the Enlargement Package, the EU Commission assessed how prepared Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey are as they work toward EU accession. A previous article covered Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Serbia is moderately prepared in food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy but no progress was made during the reporting period.

The assessment found that the country still applies an inefficient risk-based approach and EU companies continue to complain about complicated and costly border controls for imported food.

Additional steps are yet to be taken to meet remaining requirements to start exporting fresh poultry meat, eggs, and fresh pork to the EU. Serbia has still to implement the national program to improve milk quality. No progress was made on aligning the permitted level of aflatoxins in milk with EU rules.

EU Commission recommendations from last year remain valid. They include prioritizing the process of upgrading food establishments to be in line with EU rules and adopting framework legislation on food safety, official controls, animal welfare, and genetically modified organisms.

Georgia and Moldova
Georgia has some level of preparation in the area of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy and progress was made.

The EU has reduced import controls from 30 percent to 20 percent to detect contamination with aflatoxins since the national authority has been implementing the recommendations of an October 2023 audit on the relevant control system.

Some issues persist related to the EU’s trade control and export system, notably on issuing electronic certificates and five out of 10 border inspection posts need upgraded infrastructure and equipment.

Budgets have increased in 2023 and 2024 but are insufficient to effectively implement some of the new legislative framework. Private sector awareness and self-control of food safety also needs to improve.

Moldova has some level of preparation on food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy and made progress in boosting capacities of the authorities, including a reform of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA). During the reporting period, Moldova was authorized to export fresh poultry meat to Europe.

Institutions responsible for consumer protection received 5,066 complaints, including 986 on food products. Further efforts are needed on risk assessment and reporting on risk-based official controls.

EU Commission recommendations include raising awareness about food safety and quality standards among producers, businesses, and consumers to improve compliance and implementation.

Ukraine and Turkey
Ukraine remains moderately prepared in food safety. Some progress was made, such as extending use of the EU’s trade control and expert system (TRACES) and reforming food safety institutions.

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, responsible for food safety control, achieved a staff reduction in line with its reform process. Ukraine participates in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) but is not a member of the network.

Implementing legislation on products of animal origin was adopted. A risk analysis, assessment, and management system is in place. Capacity has been strengthened with more staff and the establishment of expert groups, a database, and a scientific network.

On genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in August 2023, Ukraine adopted a law regulating genetic engineering activities and establishing GMO authorization procedures and a system of official controls. This will enter into force in September 2026.

Turkey has some level of preparation in food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy but no progress was achieved over the reporting period.

The number of RASFF notifications on pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables imported from Turkey remains high. Provisions on funding inspections are not aligned with the EU system.

According to a 2023 report on the EU enforcement of intellectual property rights, Turkey was the second country of provenance by number of counterfeit articles entering the EU. The second most detained item was foodstuff, followed by other beverages.

EU Commission recommendations from last year were not met. They include upgrading food establishments to meet EU standards, notably for raw milk. Specifications and rules on the use of milk that does not meet somatic cell criteria have not yet been adopted.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/11/eu-commission-reports-on-food-safety-in-five-countries/