Fish products to be safer in Moldova: government introduces new sanitary rules

Fish products will be safer for consumption. The government has approved the Regulation on animal health requirements and certification of aquatic animals, as well as of products of animal origin derived from them. It sets rules on the movement, transport, production, processing and distribution of aquaculture products, helping to prevent the spread of diseases.

“The implementation of these regulations will help prevent and control diseases, provide residents with quality products, reduce the risk of economic losses for specialized units and strengthen control of the food chain and food safety,” said Agriculture Minister Ludmila Catlabuga.

The document lays down requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of transport means for aquatic animals, water exchanges and discharges, as well as biosecurity measures, in order to reduce the risks associated with their transport. To limit the transmission of diseases, the movement of certain categories of aquaculture animals will be allowed only after clinical inspections have been carried out and the relevant sanitary documents have been confirmed.

It also establishes the requirement that live bait used for fishing must come exclusively from areas considered safe from a sanitary point of view, an essential measure for preventing the introduction of pathogens into the natural environment.

The measures will help maintain high public and animal health standards, carry out economic activities under safe conditions and protect the food chain, including through the possibility of introducing trade restrictions in the event of an outbreak.