The corresponding decision was approved by the government at a meeting on September 17. According to the new Regulation, importers are obliged to obtain a sanitary conclusion from the National Agency of Public Health before putting the products on the market. For this purpose, they will have to submit a certificate of registration in the field of food safety, protocols of laboratory analyses, product labels, technical specifications and other relevant documents.
Restrictions on the promotion of these products are also introduced – it is prohibited to give out free samples and offer incentives to medical personnel for the promotion of infant formulae.
New requirements are also introduced for the composition and labeling of products in accordance with EU regulations. Products intended for complete dietary replacement for weight control purposes must contain on the packaging information on ingredients (including allergens), net quantity, expiration date, storage and use conditions, manufacturer, country of origin, instructions for use and mandatory nutritional value. All of this information must be clearly and legibly printed on the package or label. Products that do not comply with these requirements will not be allowed for sale.
“Consumption of non-compliant foods intended for infants, toddlers or those with special dietary needs can pose serious risks to their health. Among them are nutritional imbalances, deficiency or excess of vital substances such as vitamins, minerals and proteins, negative impact on children’s physical and neurological development, exposure to dangerous pollutants (heavy metals, pesticide residues, microtoxins), as well as the risk of allergic reactions, especially in case of incorrect or incomplete labeling, when products may contain unspecified allergens such as milk, soy, gluten and others,” explained Health Minister Alla Nemerenko.
According to the minister, the changes “guarantee access to quality food products that meet the needs of each of these categories”.
Products already on the market can be sold until the expiration date or until stocks are exhausted.
It should be noted that in the period from 2020 to 2025, Moldova has put on the market about 28 food products for infants and young children, as well as 16 products for special medical purposes and for complete dietary replacement for weight control. Currently, Moldova is exclusively an importer, with 12 operators selling such products.
