The Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency has issued a public appeal urging citizens and all food business operators to exercise increased caution in handling and storing food during the current period of high temperatures.
The agency called on everyone involved in the food supply chain—including producers, processors, storage facilities, transporters, distributors, retailers, and hospitality businesses—to strictly comply with food safety regulations and legal requirements.
Restaurants, hotels, wedding venues, supermarkets, bakeries, kebab shops, fast-food outlets, and all other businesses handling food have been reminded to:
- Store food products at the temperatures specified on their labels.
- Regularly inspect refrigeration and freezing equipment to ensure proper storage conditions.
- Strictly implement food safety self-control measures.
The agency also urged consumers to remain vigilant from the moment they purchase food, during transportation home, throughout storage in household kitchens, and until consumption.
According to the AUV, every food product that requires specific storage conditions clearly indicates the recommended temperature on its label. Products of animal origin are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, although consumers should also pay attention to other products that require controlled storage conditions. The shelf life of food products depends directly on proper storage.
The agency emphasized that food safety is a shared responsibility, stressing that everyone has a role in preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting public health.
The AUV announced that it will intensify inspections throughout the summer to monitor compliance with food safety regulations, warning that violations will not be tolerated.
“Public health depends on food safety—store your food safely.”
