Abstract:

In the current global context, the need for safe food is growing and food security is taking on new dimensions. This paper has a double objective. First, it provides a review of food safety system legislation in Moldova. Secondly, an analysis is made of the controls performed in the field of food safety. Moldova has exceptional natural resources, favourable to agricultural production and consistent exports. The Moldovan food safety system has registered some gaps compared to the European food regulations, due to the orientation of exports to the Russian market, until a few years ago. Currently, Moldova has signed partnership agreements with the European Union, allowing food exports to the EU market. The paper assessed the food quality control and monitoring system in Moldova, according to the Annual Reports of the National Agency for Food Safety. In the period 2016-2018, official controls focused mainly on food of animal origin. Planned inspections have steadily increased, while unannounced inspections peaked in 2017. After the checks, specific measures were recommendations, but about 200 food production units were closed for critical non-compliance. The study is an initial stage of doctoral research, which proposes a complex analysis of the agrifood system in the Republic of Moldova and of the measures necessary for compliance with Community regulations,