dw.com
North Macedonia strengthens food safety controls, destroys 56 tons of unsafe food
North Macedonia conducted over 12,000 food inspections in 2024, destroying 56 tons of unsafe food, issuing 1,325 fines, and banning imports from Brazil (chicken) and Albania (livestock) due to disease outbreaks; citizens are encouraged to report unsafe food.
- What are the major sources of unsafe food identified in North Macedonia, and what measures are being implemented to address them?
- The Agency for Food and Veterinary Affairs (AHV) director stated that food consumed in North Macedonia is safe, with reinforced controls planned for the summer, especially in tourist areas. A ban on Brazilian chicken imports due to avian flu and restrictions on livestock imports from Albania due to PPR outbreak in Debar are in effect.
- What immediate actions are being taken in North Macedonia to ensure food safety, and what specific consequences have resulted from unsafe food products?
- Over 12,000 inspections have been conducted in North Macedonia since the beginning of the year, resulting in the destruction of approximately 56 tons of unsafe food. 1,325 fines and temporary work bans were issued, and misdemeanor charges were filed. Additional controls are implemented for every imported food batch.
- What long-term strategies or systemic changes are necessary to address the underlying causes of food safety issues and mitigate future risks in North Macedonia and globally?
- The high number of reported unsafe food incidents (360+ initiatives to the Consumer Protection Department) highlights the need for continuous vigilance and citizen involvement in food safety monitoring. The global impact of unsafe food is significant, with over 600 million people falling ill annually and an estimated $15 billion spent on treatment, along with approximately 420,000 deaths.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue in a way that emphasizes the AHV's proactive measures and positive outcomes. The headline could be more neutral. The use of statistics about global foodborne illnesses, while relevant, could be perceived as amplifying the problem to support the AHV's actions.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, but phrases like "небезбедна храна" (unsafe food) could be considered slightly loaded. More neutral terms like "food that does not meet safety standards" could be used. The repeated emphasis on the number of penalties issued could be interpreted as an attempt to highlight the government's strong action rather than a balanced presentation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the actions taken by the Agency for Food and Veterinary Affairs (AHV) in North Macedonia to ensure food safety, but it omits discussion of the potential economic impacts of food safety regulations on businesses and consumers. It also doesn't delve into the effectiveness of these regulations in the long term or consider alternative approaches.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of food safety, implying that the issue is easily addressed through government regulation and consumer vigilance. It doesn't explore the complexities of food supply chains, global trade, or the role of large corporations in ensuring food safety.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights efforts to reduce foodborne illnesses through increased food safety inspections and the removal of unsafe food products from the market. This directly contributes to improved public health and reduces the burden of foodborne diseases.