Intensive food safety inspections will begin on January 1 to verify product standards and labelling, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla told a parliamentary committee during discussions on the 2027 draft budget. The Ministry of Agriculture will work with the National Food Authority and food safety laboratories to monitor products and check compliance with European Union standards.

Meanwhile, inspectors will focus on dairy products and the accuracy of label information. Authorities may close businesses that fail to meet legal requirements.

Salla said more than 600 of the 900 food-sector businesses undergoing classification had already entered the process. Authorities aim to complete the assessment by the end of the year and place businesses in four categories according to hygiene and food safety standards.

In addition, the government plans to establish seven new laboratories, including one for milk testing. A €13.5 million project with the European Union and the German government will strengthen inspection and laboratory capacity.

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