Food safety inspections in North Macedonia and Kosovo

Food and veterinary agencies in North Macedonia and Kosovo have reported significant enforcement actions regarding unsafe food products. In North Macedonia, the Food and Veterinary Agency (AHV) reported that between January and August, inspections led to the destruction of nearly 70 tons of unsafe food from domestic markets and imports. Inspectors also prevented the entry of over 143 tons of suspicious products at borders. Recent operations in Ohrid and Struga resulted in the seizure and destruction of one ton of chicken gizzards, which have been banned for human consumption since July 2024 due to contamination risks. AHV Director Oliver Milanov stated that current fines are insufficient to deter violators and announced that legislative changes are being prepared to increase penalties. In Kosovo, the Food and Veterinary Agency (AUV) has taken measures against contaminated imports from Serbia. On October 29, 2026, the AUV supervised the destruction of 5,560 kilograms of corn at three separate businesses: Agro Com Sh. P. K. in Fushë Kosovë, Thermo-1 Sh. P. K. in Prugoc, and NTP Te Hysi in Shtime, after laboratory analyses confirmed aflatoxin B1 levels exceeded permitted limits. Additionally, the AUV ordered the return of 110,050 kilograms of dairy cow concentrate to Serbia. This product, imported by N. P. T. Haxhijaha SH. P. K. from producer De Heus d. o. o., was found to contain 13 micrograms per kilogram of aflatoxin B1 and insect residues. The agency noted that these results were confirmed by AGES in Austria. The AUV also rejected over 25 tonnes of commercial corn and ordered the withdrawal of calf feed from the market belonging to Monuni Sh. P. K. in Gjilan, as laboratory results showed aflatoxin B1 levels significantly higher than the 10 µg/kg reference value.