Montenegro’s Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs Administration imposed nearly 800,000 euros in fines for food-related irregularities, while non-compliant products were removed from the market and meat suspected of coming from unregistered premises was destroyed. Administration director Vladimir Đaković said inspections had found no significant deviations in food safety and suitability.
Controls take place at border crossings, customs, retail outlets, markets and elsewhere across the country. Inspectors also act on reports from citizens, which most often concern unhygienic conditions or products past their expiry date. Departures from hygiene rules and the sale of expired products are among the most common irregularities identified.
At markets, inspectors took food samples and removed products from sale when checks found problems. During the tourist season, they found quantities of meat and meat products suspected of coming from unregistered premises; the suspected products were destroyed.
When an issue is detected, inspectors check the food’s origin through the seller and distributor, tracing it back to the supplier, producer or importer. The principle of traceability allows domestic food to be tracked to the farm and imported food to the importer.
Videos recently posted on social media showed mice in a space alleged to be connected with food. The Administration had received no report about the footage, and the location where it was filmed could not be established from the video. Đaković said, “If we receive any information, we will act.”
Businesses operating in the food sector are required to carry out regular disinfection, disinsection and deratisation measures. Citizens can report suspected violations by email or telephone, or anonymously through the “Consumer Corner” section of the Administration’s website. Inspectors must act on every report.
Fines for responsible individuals range from 50 to 2,000 euros, while penalties for companies can reach 20,000 euros. Đaković said the inspections had resulted in fines close to 800,000 euros.
