Proper labeling starts with the Romanian language, the agency explains.
As you shop for groceries every day, have you ever stopped to think about how important it is for product information to be provided in the official language? In a society where effective communication is the key to trust, using the Romanian language on food labels is not only a legal requirement but also a basic form of respect for consumers.
Beyond the letter of the law, transparency begins with clear and accurate information about what we put on our tables. Based on this principle, the National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) reminds all economic operators in the food industry that food products sold in the Republic of Moldova must be labeled in Romanian.
This is a legal requirement
Thus, pursuant to paragraph (1) of Article 13 of Law No. 279/2017 on Consumer Information Regarding Food Products, “A food business operator is required to ensure that mandatory food information is provided in Romanian and written directly on the food product’s packaging or label.”
Information in other languages may appear on the packaging, but this does not replace the obligation to provide information in Romanian.
In the case of imported food products, the operator responsible for the import must ensure that, prior to placing the products on the Moldovan market, their labeling complies with applicable national requirements and that the mandatory information is provided in Romanian (the official language).
The label must provide consumers with clear and legible information, including, where applicable, the product name, ingredients, allergens, net quantity, expiration date or best-by date, storage and usage conditions, the operator responsible for the product, origin, and nutrition facts.
ANSA emphasizes that the information on the label must not mislead consumers. Labeling requirements are an important element in ensuring consumers’ right to know what product they are purchasing and to make informed choices. ANSA will continue to monitor compliance with food labeling requirements and take the measures provided for by law in cases of noncompliance.
In this regard, it should be noted that products currently available on the Moldovan market lack consumer information not only in Romanian but even in English.
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