The Strategy for Food Safety in Montenegro emphasizes the critical role of safe and nutritious food in protecting and improving public health. It recognizes that food safety is not only a matter of proper nutritional composition but also the absence of harmful contaminants—biological, chemical, physical, or radiological. The document outlines a holistic approach to food safety, advocating for integrated risk management throughout the entire food chain, from production to consumption. This approach is increasingly important in the context of globalization, where foodborne hazards can have widespread and cross-border impacts. To address these challenges, Montenegro has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework aligned with EU and international standards. This includes the establishment of inspection services, laboratory networks, and regulatory bodies responsible for monitoring food safety. The strategy also highlights the importance of harmonizing national legislation with EU directives, particularly in areas such as hygiene, labeling, and the control of zoonotic diseases. The formation of a National Food Safety Body is proposed to coordinate efforts across sectors and ensure effective communication with international organizations like WHO, FAO, and OIE. The strategy pays particular attention to the dual challenges of poor nutrition and zoonotic diseases. It identifies dietary imbalances—such as high intake of animal fats and low consumption of fruits and vegetables—as contributors to chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. Simultaneously, it highlights the risks posed by zoonoses such as trichinellosis and brucellosis, which are linked to the consumption of inadequately inspected animal products. The document calls for improved veterinary oversight, public education on hygiene, and targeted nutritional programs, including iodine supplementation and dietary education in schools, to address these interconnected health threats.
Montenegro · 2006-03-01