The scandal with peaches containing pesticides, Panariti: The same products have been distributed in the domestic market

The peach pesticide scandal, Panariti: The same products have been distributed in the domestic market

Former Minister of Agriculture, Edmond Panariti, has commented on the recent scandal where peaches and tomatoes were blocked abroad due to pesticides.

According to the former minister, there is a possibility that these products, the latest of which were peaches, may also have been consumed by Albanian citizens, since there is no differentiation.

“I believe the same products have been distributed in our markets as well, just as they were sent for export and then blocked. These products may also have been consumed by Albanians,” said Panariti.

Meanwhile, expert Esmeralda Ballesha declared that in terms of food safety, Albania is light years behind the EU, adding that fixing this problem will cost a lot of money.

“We are light-years away from the EU. We deal with the Food Safety Authority, but it is only a small part of the traceability chain. Food safety is expensive. It will cost the government—tests, training, the traceability system. It doesn’t matter whether inside or outside. Food safety is a national issue,” said Ballesha.

“KORÇA BOOM”