Irish state-owned bodies have landed a €5m grant to support Albania’s application to the EU by strengthening its food safety, veterinary and plant health standards.

Over the next four years, the consortium led by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and including the Department of Agriculture will work with the Finnish Food Authority to help Albania harmonise its legislation with EU norms.

FSAI and its partners will provide experts in food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary systems to strengthen safety at all stages of the Albanian food chain.

EU in action

Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, currently on a visit to Albania, said: “This is a great example of the European Union in action. EU members supporting a candidate country to harmonise its laws and regulations with European norms, and helping create a food safety system and culture that matches the best examples in the world.”

Dr Pamela Byrne, FSAI CEO said: “Ireland’s international reputation in food safety is excellent, and working with countries to improve their food safety standards will enable Ireland to protect consumers both at home and abroad.”

The project will be manged by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI). SFSI is a grouping of five agri food agencies led by the Department of Agriculture and including Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia and the FSAI.

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