The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the National Phytosanitary Authority (ANF), has increased by 42% this year the number of samples of vegetables and fruits from domestic production that will be inspected, compared to the same period in 2023.

This measure has been taken because we are in the peak season for the sale of Romanian vegetables and fruits, with the main objective of checking their compliance and safety for consumption.

Thus, by August 31 of this year, the number of samples to be inspected has been increased by 181 compared to the number of samples inspected in the same period last year.

Specifically, for the following vegetables and fruits: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cherries, strawberries, apricots, melons, and raspberries, 615 samples will be taken and analyzed, compared to 434 samples that were inspected in the same period in 2023.

Additionally, between May 30 and July 5, the ANF launched the "Cherry and Strawberry" campaign. As part of this campaign, over 200 additional samples (214 samples) of cherries and strawberries will be taken for laboratory analysis beyond the National Monitoring Program, to verify compliance and ensure they pose no risk to consumers. The samples will be taken from both Bucharest markets and from each county seat. (Photo: Dreamstime)