To advance alignment with European Union standards, National Food Authority Director General Blerina Gjylameti paid an official visit to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Albanian Ambassador to the Netherlands Artur Kuko accompanied her during the visit.

During the meetings, the two sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation and improve food safety systems. They also highlighted the role of innovation, digitalization, and smart data in streamlining workflows and integrating processes.

Furthermore, Gjylameti focused on key areas for strengthening Albania’s food safety framework. These included laboratory establishment and operation procedures, management of Border Inspection Posts, use of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), and best practices in official controls, audits, and sampling.

In addition, officials presented a new categorization process for food business operators handling products of animal origin. The initiative aims to bring the sector closer to European standards. They also highlighted a new scoring system designed to increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and enhance food safety oversight.

As a result, the cooperation marks another important step toward adopting European best practices and strengthening institutional capacities. Ultimately, these efforts will improve consumer protection and further guarantee food safety in Albania.

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