In a move that has dealt a severe blow to the Georgian cheese industry, the European Union (EU) has decided to block exports of Georgian cheese due to concerns over food safety. Experts have revealed that an alarming 95% of dairy products circulating in the Georgian market originate from unregistered factories, raising significant red flags for Brussels.
Georgia, renowned for its picturesque landscapes of mountains and shepherds, has long been celebrated as the land of cheese. However, the recent ban imposed by the EU underscores the pressing need for stricter production regulations in the country to meet the criteria required by the European market.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by the EU revolves around potential health risks associated with the unregulated nature of Georgia's cheese production. The absence of robust control measures has allowed dairy products to be sourced from undisclosed manufacturers, making it difficult to ensure the safety and quality of the cheese being exported.
Ana Mikadze-Chikvaidze, president of the Georgian Cheese Producers Association, expressed her concerns.
"We must determine if milk carries diseases like anthrax, mastitis, or brucellosis. Awareness must be raised against contaminated milk so it is declared unacceptable for the Georgian market. Surprisingly, regulatory bodies fail to take responsibility," Ana Mikadze-Chikvaidze noted
The repercussions of this lax oversight have been particularly challenging for registered milk and cheese producers in Georgia. They find themselves competing against unscrupulous manufacturers who can offer cheaper prices due to their lack of adherence to proper standards.
Resan Basiladze, head of production at a cheese dairy, lamented the situation, revealing that their stored cheese costs €8, while their unregistered competitors charge between €5 and €6.
The National Food Agency in Georgia, however, disputes claims of untested dairy products being sold at farmers' markets. As per the agency, control mechanisms are in place and cover all sectors, but it acknowledges that registration of companies on agricultural markets is not mandatory. Family production entities, however, must register with the National Food Agency and adhere to specific regulations.
Doubts have been raised by Vakhtang Kobaladze, a program coordinator at the Georgian Centre for Strategic Research and Development, who questions whether the government has sufficient resources to carry out effective inspections. He asserts that the National Food Agency lacks the means to thoroughly monitor the Georgian market, especially concerning dairy products. If proper controls and inspections are not prioritized by the government, it could severely limit the ability to conduct laboratory studies and ensure food safety.
Consumers seeking to save money by purchasing unregistered cheese products should be aware of the potential long-term costs to their health, particularly if these products contain milk powder. Brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated milk, has affected a considerable number of people in Georgia. In 2021 alone, 133 individuals contracted the disease, nearly reaching the number reported for the entire European Union.
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