Estonia food safety monitoring shows high compliance in 2025

The Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PTA) has released its 2025 monitoring results regarding prohibited substances and veterinary medicine residues in animal products. Out of 729 samples analyzed, including pigs, cattle, poultry, milk, honey, and fish, the vast majority met regulatory requirements.

A single sample from a young cow initially detected the prohibited substance 2-tiouracil. However, a follow-up inspection at the farm found no violations, and European Union reference laboratory data suggested the low levels could have occurred naturally from consuming cruciferous plants. Additionally, imported products from Vietnam, Ecuador, and New Zealand were tested and found to be compliant.

In a related discussion on food security, Janne Laik-Lõhmus of Maag Food emphasized that prioritizing domestic production is vital for Estonia's ability to produce its own food during crises. Research indicates that 60% of Estonian consumers are willing to pay more for local food to support national production capacity and reduce dependency on foreign imports.