Serbia Initiates Stricter Food Oversight with New Legislation Consultations
The Ministry of Agriculture seeks public input on a draft law aimed at enhancing food safety and compliance with EU standards.
The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has announced consultations regarding the draft law on official controls, which aims to establish a comprehensive oversight system for food safety across the production chain in the country, from farm to table, including imported foodstuffs.
The objective of this initiative is to ensure that food is of high quality and safe for consumer consumption, as stated by the Ministry.
One of the key innovations in the proposed legislation is the implementation of unannounced official controls, with exceptions only where prior notice is necessary and justified for the effective enforcement of controls.
This measure is intended to enhance efficiency in detecting potential irregularities in the current state of food safety.
The new law is slated to come into effect on January 1, 2026.
The implemented controls will ensure compliance with European Union standards, thereby facilitating seamless exports of animals, food, animal feed, and other goods from Serbia.
Furthermore, the Ministry specified that the law on inspection oversight will not apply to areas governed by official controls.
In addition to regulating the requirements for animals and goods that are imported, exported, or in transit, the draft law will establish an information system for the realm of official controls and other official activities.
The Ministry has invited representatives from governmental bodies, organizations, associations, the business community, experts, and other interested parties to review the working draft and submit their comments, suggestions, and proposals by June 13 via email to sluzbenekontrole@minpolj.gov.rs.
The objective of this initiative is to ensure that food is of high quality and safe for consumer consumption, as stated by the Ministry.
One of the key innovations in the proposed legislation is the implementation of unannounced official controls, with exceptions only where prior notice is necessary and justified for the effective enforcement of controls.
This measure is intended to enhance efficiency in detecting potential irregularities in the current state of food safety.
The new law is slated to come into effect on January 1, 2026.
The implemented controls will ensure compliance with European Union standards, thereby facilitating seamless exports of animals, food, animal feed, and other goods from Serbia.
Furthermore, the Ministry specified that the law on inspection oversight will not apply to areas governed by official controls.
In addition to regulating the requirements for animals and goods that are imported, exported, or in transit, the draft law will establish an information system for the realm of official controls and other official activities.
The Ministry has invited representatives from governmental bodies, organizations, associations, the business community, experts, and other interested parties to review the working draft and submit their comments, suggestions, and proposals by June 13 via email to sluzbenekontrole@minpolj.gov.rs.
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