A batch of imported melons was barred from reaching the market after food safety inspectors found them to contain high nitrate levels. The National Agency for Food Safety ANSA said the imported batch tipped the scales at about one and a half tonne.

The owner agreed to have the non-compliant batch recycled into biogas.

The ANSA recommends that fresh fruits and vegetables be purchased from authorized places, where there is certainty that they are checked. Vendors must have documents confirming the harmlessness of the plant products they sell, namely the test reports carried out by an accredited laboratory, and must present them to the consumer upon request.

In case of non-compliant food products or consumer protection complaints, the general public is asked to contact the ANSA, at the telephone number: 0(22) 26 46 43; to the Green Line: 0 800 800 33, on Viber: 067675544 or to the e-mail address: sesizare@ansa.gov.md.