The National Food Authority has outlined procedures for addressing non-compliance with legislative standards for imported goods. When discrepancies are identified, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is promptly notified.
In February 2025, an incident involving 52 kg of strawberries imported from Greece triggered a series of actions. The AKU, following its Risk-Based Monitoring Plan, dispatched the batch for laboratory analysis. Upon receiving the results, a traceability process was initiated to remove the strawberries from the market. However, sales invoices indicated the entire batch had already been distributed.
Subsequently, the National Food Authority conducted a risk assessment and classified strawberries as a high-risk product. Consequently, all Border Inspection Points (BIPs) were instructed to sample ten consecutive strawberry shipments, blocking each at the border until analysis results were obtained. This measure ensures that only compliant products are allowed entry into Albania.
The strategy of halting shipments at BIPs aims to verify compliance through lab analyses. Depending on the findings, the decision will be made whether to permit the strawberries' entry into the Albanian market or to return them to Greece.
Source: Insajderi