VIDEO // Prime Minister announces simplifications for small food producers

Small food producers in the Republic of Moldova could begin operating in low-risk sectors by simply notifying the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA), without the need for the institution’s prior approval. The authorities are also preparing a legal framework for selling food products prepared at home, a simplified regime for small traders, and a reduction in the frequency of inspections based on risk. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan made the statement at the beginning of today’s Government meeting.

The prime minister said that ANSA had presented proposals to simplify the activities of small producers following a meeting with them, attended by the institution’s interim head, Alexandr Manciu. October 15 was set as the deadline for developing the solutions and, according to Tofan, the institution met this commitment.

“I am very encouraged by the proposals put forward. They now cover all aspects,” the prime minister said.

One of the announced measures concerns small producers in low-risk sectors. They would be able to begin operating after notifying ANSA, without having to wait for the institution’s prior approval. The prime minister gave the production of artisanal bread and bakery products as an example.

Another measure aims to legalize the preparation and sale of certain food products made at home. According to the head of the Executive, the authorities intend to create a framework allowing the legal sale of low-risk products such as artisanal bread, biscuits, and certain bakery products, including at fairs.


“Home gastronomy, what we call homemade food, is currently outside the law, which is somewhat absurd. We all eat homemade food, but when you want to serve it to others, you encounter certain bureaucratic barriers,” Vasile Tofan said.


The Executive is also preparing a simplified regime for small traders, which could allow certain activities to be carried out without registering a limited liability company. In this regard, ANSA is working together with the Ministry of Economy to identify the necessary legislative solutions.

Another change concerns reducing the frequency of inspections for small producers, depending on the risks associated with their activities. The prime minister mentioned the case of cheese producers from Basarabeasca District, who complained about the large volume of reporting and repeated inspections despite having low annual output.


“I agreed with Mr. Manciu that we should reduce the frequency of inspections for small producers so that they can focus on producing and selling, rather than so much on reporting and inspections,” the prime minister said.


Vasile Tofan thanked the ANSA leadership for its proactive approach and announced that the institution was due to present details about the proposed measures during the day.

The proposals aim to reduce the administrative burden on small producers and facilitate economic activity while maintaining food safety requirements according to the risks associated with the products and production processes.