The EU rejects Albanian meat due to lack of safety.

Albania cannot export animal-origin products to the European Union. Despite being part of the Free Trade Agreement for over three decades, the country does not meet the requirements to sell meat and its by-products in the 27 EU member states.

“As long as we do not ensure European consumers meet the standards set by the EU, and as long as we still receive funds to manage food safety, member states have decided not to accept animal-origin products from these countries,” stated Sokol Stafa.

The main reason for this restriction is the lack of traceability in animal-origin products, as the livestock identification process has yet to be completed.

Product certification experts argue that, in a way, this blockade raises questions about whether the locally consumed meat is safe or not.

“Product certification experts argue that, in a way, this blockade raises questions about whether the locally consumed meat is safe or not. We need to build a reliable infrastructure for our consumers. As long as food scandals continue, our consumers remain cautious. The structure that should guarantee safety is not entirely trustworthy,” added Stafa.

Another issue leading to the EU’s refusal to import meat from Albania is the lack of farm registration and the often uncontrolled use of veterinary drugs.

Source: A2 CNN