During the meeting, Berisha called out the dire food safety situation in the country, attributing it directly to institutional capture by the mafia and pervasive government corruption.
Berisha stressed that the inspection of food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products is in the hands of groups linked to the government, with institutions rendered ineffective and specialists cut out from the process.

Sali Berisha, the Democratic Party chairman, also drew attention to the seizure of food products contaminated with salmonella, describing it as a symbol of the government’s lack of transparency and accountability. He called out the failure to conduct investigations, the symbolic resignation of the head of the National Food Authority (AKU), and a procurement system that excludes foreign investors, in breach of EU agreements.

The Democratic Party chairman highlighted the necessity of carrying out a comprehensive reform in food safety, viewing this sector as a key element of national security. Berisha suggested consolidating the Food Safety Agency with full executive authority, ensuring it remains free from political interference. He also proposed upgrading state laboratories to be among the most advanced and increasing their budget two to three times.

Berisha emphasized that the return of exports due to the lack of food safety severely damages trust in Albanian products. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Democratic Party promised the involvement of experts, modernization of the sector, and improvement of conditions to ensure that “Made in Albania” becomes synonymous with quality and national pride. /j.p/sm/