Food and Veterinary Agency destroys 70 tons of unsafe food in North Macedonia

The Food and Veterinary Agency (AHV) has reported significant results from its food safety inspections. Between January and August, AHV conducted 74,838 inspections, leading to the destruction of 69,776 kilograms of unsafe food from domestic markets and imports. Additionally, inspectors prevented the entry of over 143 tons of suspicious food products at border crossings, returning 122,602 kilograms of animal-origin food to their countries of origin and banning 21,105 kilograms of non-animal products.

In recent targeted operations in Ohrid and Struga, AHV inspectors seized and destroyed one ton of chicken gizzards, a product banned for human consumption and use in meat production since July 2024 due to risks of bacterial, viral, and toxic contamination. Along with the gizzards, 55 kilograms of meat preparations containing the banned ingredient were also destroyed. Two butcheries faced legal sanctions for violating the ban.

AHV Director Oliver Milanov emphasized the need for stricter sanctions, noting that current fines are insufficient to deter violators. He announced that legislative changes are being prepared to increase penalties. The agency also highlighted increased public engagement, with over 1,000 consumer initiatives submitted for inspections during the same period.