73 batches of frozen fish, out of 124 imported into Moldova between August 20 and October 4, were found to be infested with parasites. The Republican Veterinary and Diagnosis Centre did not inform ANSA about the irregularities detected during the laboratory investigations, thus veterinary certificates attesting import rights were issued for the non-compliant batches. Prime Minister Maia Sandu informed the public about this violation during a press briefing. The prime minister has requested a service inquiry.
"There has been a flagrant violation of the legislation", said Maia Sandu. According to the Prime Minister, batches of infested fish usually reach the markets, but could also end up in public institutions, such as educational institutions, medical institutions or penitentiaries.
According to procedure, samples from imported batches are extracted at border customs posts, then are sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. After the analysis, the employees must enter the data into the lab's information management system, specifying the conformity or non-compliance of the product. However, that does not always happen, said Maia Sandu. Even ANSA does not get a carbon copy of the laboratory results. If evidence, which would indicate that the batches were non-compliant, were to be presented, then ANSA had to destroy the batches. This did not happen, said the prime minister.
Maia Sandu asked the National Food Safety Agency to initiate a service inquiry, with the suspension of those responsible for this situation. Institutions that may have been reached by infested fish were issued a warning to verify the purchased batches. Police and ANSA were urged to carry out checks in the markets.
Maia Sandu informed that a criminal case had been opened. The government is expecting the Prosecutor's Office, the CNA and the judges who will handle this case to act in the interests of the people and to apply severe penalties.
