TIRANA, July 12 /ATA/ In context of the awareness campaign on food safety and formalization of the economy, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj together with Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj and Director General of the Tax Office Ilir Binaj held meetings with food traders.
Food safety and formalization of the entire trade chain from farm to table is a necessity for a country that aims to sit at the European Union table by the end of the current decade.
Therefore, there will be banned food articles like milk, meat and dairy products without an invoice.
Starting next week, any such product will be seized, because it poses a direct threat to health, especially under the hot weather while the trading entities will be heavily fined.
During the meetings, there was highlighted the significance of cooperation between state institutions and commercial businesses to guarantee safe and traceable products for the consumers.
It was also emphasized that implementation of legal and technical standards is essential for a complete food safety chain, from the farm to the table of citizens.
“The fiscal invoice and the Veterinary Certificate are essential elements for food safety. Traders, institutions and farmers have a shared responsibility towards citizens to offer controlled and safe products”, stated Minister Denaj.
For his part, Minister of Finance Malaj spoke about the importance of raising awareness among retailers of the necessity of providing a purchase invoice, considering this practice not only a requirement for business formalization, but above all a key tool for food safety.
“Through the invoice, there is ensured the traceability of the product from origin to the consumer’s table”, he emphasized.
The information campaign will continue throughout the country with the purpose of raising awareness and strengthening the control and traceability system of food products, as part of the Government’s priorities for protecting the health and interests of citizens. /j.p/p.s./
