Albania faces growing concerns over food safety as consumers question the quality of fresh produce and meat, while authorities race to meet EU standards.
Shoppers in Tirana’s markets say food is “full of chemicals,” blaming pesticides and poor regulation for declining freshness and taste. Despite recent reforms, weak oversight and widespread informality in agriculture leave gaps in enforcement.
Imports under scrutiny
Albania’s food exports have been flagged 60 times by the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in the past five years, while 134 imported products—including chicken, ice cream, and dairy—failed safety checks. Officials say imports outnumber exports three to one, increasing exposure to unsafe goods.
Regulatory failures and pesticide risks
Farmers are legally required to track product origins, but monitoring remains inconsistent. Reports of excessive pesticide use and failure to respect withdrawal periods before harvest have fueled public distrust.
With only two official food safety labs, testing remains limited. Of 1,010 samples analyzed in 2024, nearly 9% exceeded permitted pesticide levels.
EU membership talks add pressure
Brussels has urged Albania to tighten enforcement, improve traceability, and upgrade testing facilities. While inspections have increased, consumer confidence remains low.
As Albania pushes forward with EU accession, ensuring safer food standards will be key to meeting European requirements—and restoring public trust.
