Albulena Haxhiu, acting president of Kosovo, has reacted to the results of analyses published by the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) concerning dairy products. According to her, the findings demonstrate serious violations, while there can be no compromise when it comes to food safety.
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Haxhiu said the analyses had identified the undeclared presence on labels of powdered milk, palm oil and whey. She also stressed that water intended for irrigation had been used during production.
According to her, the issue can no longer be treated as a technical problem. Haxhiu said consumers are deceived when they pay for milk but receive a different product, while the use of unsuitable water in food production shifts the problem from labeling to a threat to public health.
She said the situation was made even more serious by the fact that the dairy industry receives state subsidies and financial support.
Haxhiu declared that funds collected by the state from citizens cannot be used to support an industry that then sells them products that do not match the description on the label and could endanger their health. For this reason, she said, accountability is essential.
The acting president said that farmers are also affected by these practices. They deliver milk without additional ingredients and wait a long time to be paid, while their work in the product is replaced by cheaper ingredients.
She summarized the situation by saying that the farmer’s name continues to appear on the label, but his contribution and work are no longer found in the product.
Haxhiu called for immediate action against the operators responsible for the violations. According to her, the measures should include removing the products from the market and suspending the activities of entities operating without authorization.
She stressed that every product in which critical violations have been identified must be withdrawn from sale, while unauthorized activity must be suspended regardless of who is involved. If elements of a criminal offense are identified, Haxhiu called for the case to be referred to the prosecution.
According to her, inspections should not focus only on the dairy sector but should also be expanded to other areas of the food industry.
In conclusion, Haxhiu said citizens should not be forced to guess about the contents of their glass or plate, but should consume exactly the food and drink for which they have paid.
