DOC // ANSA decision to suspend imports of poultry meat from Ukraine published in Official Journal

The decision of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) on suspending imports of poultry meat from Ukraine has been published in the Official Journal.

According to the order signed by ANSA director Radu Musteața, the decision was taken to ensure that consumers in the Republic of Moldova have access to safe food products.

On Monday, January 26, ANSA announced the decision to temporarily suspend imports of poultry meat and poultry meat products originating from Ukraine. The institution emphasized that the decision is based on the results of complex investigations carried out after the banned substance metronidazole was detected in batches of feed previously imported from the neighboring country.

According to the institution, the suspension of imports will remain in force until the competent authority in Ukraine provides credible guarantees, in line with national standards, regarding the control of prohibited substances, product traceability, and the effective functioning of official controls.

The press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry stated that the temporary suspension of poultry meat imports from a single country does not necessarily imply a shortage on the market. According to the MAIA, economic operators could diversify their import sources, while domestic producers can capitalize on existing demand by expanding their production capacities.

At the beginning of January, laboratory analyses detected the presence of metronidazole in samples of feed and in samples of eggs for human consumption taken from a poultry farm in the Republic of Moldova. ANSA launched a broad investigation into the case. After the substance was detected, 110,000 birds were culled.

Based on laboratory results and information gathered during official controls, it was concluded that the source of the metronidazole residues found in eggs and serum was animal feed in which metronidazole had been added by the producers. In this context, ANSA suspended imports of compound feed and requested information and explanations from the responsible veterinary authority in the exporting country.