Government of Moldova : Quality standards for more fresh fruits and vegetables to be adjusted to European norms

The Cabinet of Ministers approved, in its meeting today, a series of changes and additions to quality and marketing requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables. The document provides the adjustment of national standards to European and international norms on fresh fruits and vegetables quality placed on the market for sale.

The project establishes the list of fruits and vegetables, which must be approved to standards, among them are: apples, pears, table grapes, strawberries, peaches and nectarines, sweet peppers, tomatoes, lettuce. At the same time, specific requirements are defined on classification, sorting, packing and marking products, which will increase the access of economic operators on the European market. According to the project, fruits and vegetables will be divided into categories depending on the quality, variety, appearance and form.

The document does not apply to products produced in households for their own consumption, for those who are in transit in the Republic of Moldova, as well as fruits and vegetables for industrial processing or household processing.

Some specific standards approved by the government provide for setting minimum quality requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables and achieving of higher product quality, as such protecting the consumers' rights and interests. The amendments were developed in accordance with the commitments undertaken by signing the Association Agreement Moldova - European Union.

By means of this project, the national legislation is brought in line with European and international standards regarding quality of fruits and vegetables.