Zagreb - MPs on Thursday endorsed a bill on contaminants aimed at ensuring long-term food safety, with the ruling parties saying it protected public health and built trust in the food supply, while the opposition raised concerns about a lack of inspectors at the State Inspectorate to collect enough samples.
The state secretary at the Ministry of Health, Marija Bubaš, said the bill aligned Croatian regulations with EU legislation on food contaminants and the rules governing official food controls.
The bill defines the competent authorities and their responsibilities, obligations for food business operators, official laboratories, inspection procedures, and penalty provisions.
Bubaš said the bill also extended the powers of the Fisheries Inspectorate to conduct official controls related to hygiene and food safety on registered fishing vessels and landing sites.
Additional provisions define the roles of competent authorities in preparing annual plans for contaminant control in food and reporting on the results.
She said that, since 2023, EU member states were required to submit control plans to the European Commission and share analysis results with the European Food Safety Authority.
SDP MP: Honey and olive oil are most commonly adulterated products
State Inspectorate lacked sufficient staffing, noting that honey and olive oil are the most commonly adulterated products. He argued that the State Inspectorate and Fisheries Inspectorate should be able to prove that contamination occurred due to producer negligence.
MP Anka Mrak Taritaš (GLAS) also pointed out the shortage of inspectors.
MP Mislav Herman (HDZ) said the bill ways not just a regulatory framework, but also a reflection of social responsibility and a commitment to a healthier future.