Why We Test Romanian Produce So Little: ANF Director General Calls for Collaboration

In an interview with Adevărul, Romeo Șoldea, the Director-General of Romania's National Phytosanitary Authority (ANF), shed light on the critical issue of pesticide residue testing in domestically produced vegetables. He acknowledged that public awareness and the extent of testing for Romanian produce are lower than desired, a situation that raises concerns about food safety and consumer trust. Șoldea emphasized the ANF's role in ensuring plant health across Romania, a mandate that includes rigorous border controls to prevent the entry of contaminated plant material and the careful homologation of plant protection products.

The ANF operates within a complex inter-ministerial commission for product homologation, involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, and the Institute for Research-Development of Plant Protection. While Șoldea chairs this commission, the decision-making process is shared equally among the four entities. He highlighted the ongoing challenges, including a significant deficit in personnel, particularly in laboratory activities, which hampers the ANF's capacity to conduct more extensive testing and analysis.

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The National Phytosanitary Authority ensures plant health throughout Romania.

Furthermore, Șoldea touched upon the controversial aspect of controls, where Romanian producers sometimes question why they are subjected to stringent checks while imports from outside the EU might face less scrutiny. He also discussed upcoming regulatory changes, including a new obligation for users of phytosanitary products set to take effect in January 2027, unless Romania secures an extension, and the looming threat of infringement procedures if obligations are not met.

From a Romanian perspective, ensuring the safety and quality of local agricultural products is paramount for both consumer confidence and the competitiveness of the national farming sector. The ANF's work, though often behind the scenes, is crucial in upholding these standards. The challenges faced by the authority, such as understaffing and the complexities of EU regulations, underscore the need for continued investment and support to safeguard Romania's agricultural health and to build trust with its citizens regarding the food they consume. The interview serves as a vital public service, informing citizens about the efforts and hurdles involved in maintaining food safety standards.

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We have advocated for collaboration with the private sector.