Food Safety as a Priority for EU Integration Albania Launches National Program on Food Standards with Over 900 Agricultural Establishments Under Screening

As part of preparations for accession to the European Union, the government has launched a national program to improve food safety standards. The first phase began on April 14 and includes screening and categorizing over 900 agricultural establishments nationwide.
During a meeting with food business operators, the Minister of State and Chief Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka, emphasized that Albania has opened 33 negotiation chapters and is in an intensive phase of technical preparation for their closure. Food safety is one of the key areas. Dhuka highlighted the need for coordinated efforts in this sector, describing the path toward the European Union as a transformative process for the market, agriculture, and the agricultural production chain. She stated that meeting European food safety standards is essential for the modernization of establishments and a prerequisite for integration into the European single market.
The National Food Authority (AKU) is carrying out the process under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture. It covers key sectors of the food chain, such as meat, milk and its by-products, fish, eggs, and animal feed. The goal is to provide a thorough assessment of establishments and define improvement or transformation measures in line with EU standards.
The program aims to enhance food safety and prepare Albanian businesses for integration into the European single market by establishing consistent standards for domestic and export products. Improving product quality, particularly in the dairy and meat sectors, is essential for increasing competitiveness and access to the European market.
European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato stressed that Albania has entered a decisive phase of accession negotiations where progress is measured by the effective functioning of systems that align with EU standards. He emphasized the importance of accredited laboratories and reliable results, as well as a functional system for categorizing food business operators. This system helps guide risk-based controls and improve compliance with European requirements.
Blerina Gjylameti, the Director General of the National Food Authority, emphasized that food safety is a national priority and a shared responsibility within the context of European Union integration. She added that meeting EU standards is a commitment that is directly linked to protecting public health and strengthening citizens’ trust.