The Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS), is taking steps to curb the illegal importation of Russian vegetables. Increased surveillance and laboratory testing of incoming products are already in place, with discussions underway to engage an Austrian laboratory for origin verification of fruits and vegetables. Measures are being coordinated with the Lithuanian Greenhouse Association (LGA) to tackle the issue effectively.
At a recent meeting attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, SFVS, National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute, and LGA, strategies were devised to address challenges in the vegetable and fruit sector.
The LGA has expressed concerns that Russian-grown cucumbers and tomatoes, potentially entering Lithuania via Poland with falsified origin documents, pose unfair competition for local growers. Consequently, SFVS has heightened controls over vegetable imports and is prioritizing product safety assessments.
According to SFVS Director Audronė Mikalauskienė, measures have been strengthened to verify the origin of fresh fruits and vegetables through laboratory tests, ensuring compliance with regulations. SFVS is collaborating with Polish counterparts to swiftly identify risks.
Deputy Minister Tomkus advocates for EU-wide restrictions for more effective action.
source: zum.lrv.lt