Serbia is set to implement a significant regulatory change aimed at improving consumer protection regarding the origins and safety of food products.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management Dragan Glamocic announced that a new government regulation concerning the labeling of dairy products containing palm oil or other vegetable oils will come into effect on August 1.

The regulation mandates that producers, retailers, and food service establishments clearly indicate the presence of palm oil, utilizing a triangular symbol and bold lettering to inform consumers.

Previously, there was no obligation to disclose such ingredients, which led to cases of misleading product marketing, particularly with cheese and sour cream products.

Minister Glamocic underscored that the new regulation empowers consumers by ensuring they have the right to know what they are consuming.

The intention, he noted, is not to prohibit any products but to provide clear information.

In addition to the new labeling requirements, the minister highlighted upcoming stringent controls on imported meat, which accounted for over 50,000 tons of meat entering the Serbian market last year.

He emphasized the necessity of ensuring the animal origin of imported goods, detailing the journey and storage of such products.

This is particularly crucial in light of recent outbreaks of animal diseases in the region, prompting enhanced health safety measures.

Future guidelines will stipulate the size of labels indicating the age of the meat.

This initiative does not target the consumption of imported meat but aims to enhance transparency, allowing consumers to choose between locally sourced products and those imported, which may be older.

Minister Glamocic also touched upon the recovery of the livestock sector, noting Serbia's competitive position in poultry production within Europe.

He mentioned efforts to acquire export licenses for the European Union, aiming to establish the country as a leader in agricultural exports.

As for the fruit-growing sector, which occupies approximately 4.8% of Serbia's agricultural land, he acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change and has called for modern equipment investments, such as anti-frost systems and protective netting, to adapt to the evolving market.

The Minister reported that Serbia’s agricultural revenue for 2024 was projected at 5.14 billion euros, with exports increasing by 10% compared to the previous year.

During the first quarter of this year, exports rose by 11%.

While the country predominantly exports grains and fruits, there is a plan to shift focus towards processed products with added value.