In a media statement, Jorgaqi pointed out that NFA inspectors have increased their market inspections and product testing, and the findings confirm that the products on the market are safe for consumption.

He said, “The NFA is actively monitoring the entire supply chain in the Albanian market to ensure that every product is safe for consumers.”

As to the blocking of two shipments of mandarins on the border with Croatia, Jorgaqi confirmed that the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which is now prohibited in both the European Union and Albania, was detected on them.

He said, “These shipments from Albanian suppliers, bound for EU countries, were found to contain chlorpyrifos and were subsequently rejected by the receiving countries. A part of them was destroyed in their destination countries, while two cargo loads were sent back, and immediate actions were taken for their disposal.”

Jorgaqi said that, using the traceability systems in its programs for collection and export warehouses, the NFA was able to trace the issue back to the farmer and impose a series of escalating penalties.

“Based on the official inspections conducted on the ground, both at the border inspection points and at the locations for trading agricultural inputs and plant protection products in various regions, all necessary controls and inspections have been carried out. Around 950 shipments have departed from Albania this season, and among this high volume of shipments, these are the problematic ones,” he said.

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