Food safety and nutrition initiatives in Balkans

In observance of World Food Day, health and food safety experts across Southeast Europe have focused on nutrition, food security, and the risks associated with modern production. The regional theme, ‘Innovate Today. Feed Tomorrow’, emphasizes using technology to address global hunger.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussions in Zenica highlighted that while laboratory capacities are sufficient to ensure food is microbiologically correct, risks from mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics persist. Experts raised concerns regarding fragmented state oversight and disconnected registries, while the Food Safety Agency of BiH noted a lag in adopting updated EU food regulations since 2022.

In Serbia, the Institute of Public Health in Pančevo launched the ‘October – Month of Proper Nutrition’ campaign to combat chronic diseases through education. Additionally, social support programs in Pirot provided meals to 450 users.

Regional economic and agricultural trends show varied developments. In Croatia, food imports rose 9% to 5.62 billion euros, while exports reached 3.08 billion euros, alongside significant growth in domestic vegetable production. In Montenegro, officials stressed the importance of supporting domestic producers and integrating scientific research with agricultural practice to ensure long-term food security.