19 tons of contaminated pomegranates destroyed before reaching consumers
Nearly 19 tons of pesticide contaminated pomegranates were destroyed before reaching the market in the Republic of Moldova. The National Food Safety Agency said inspectors detected the fruit during checks at border crossing points.
According to the institution, the batch included 18,900 kilograms of pomegranates that failed to meet food safety requirements.
Laboratory tests showed the fruit contained residues of the pesticide imazalil at concentrations above the maximum level allowed by current legislation.
Authorities therefore refused to allow the batch onto the domestic market.
Under legal provisions, officials ordered the complete destruction of the fruit, and carried out the procedure under the supervision of the competent authorities.
“The destruction process directed the batch to a biogas production facility, in line with legal requirements for handling noncompliant products,” ANSA representatives stated.
The institution added that strict border inspections will continue in the coming period.
These checks aim to prevent food products that fail to meet safety standards from entering the Moldovan market and to protect consumer health.
