VIDEO // Imports of poultry meat from Ukraine gradually resumed: Moldovan Agriculture Ministry imposes strict food safety conditions

Moldova will start the gradual unblocking of poultry meat imports from Ukraine, but only on the basis of much more rigorous sanitary inspections. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga has made statements to this effect. She stressed that the government’s decision was not political or commercial in nature, but is exclusively related to consumers’ protection and the country’s food security.

According to the official, the previously applied suspension was not an intentional embargo, but a temporary precautionary measure, necessary for clarifying risks and getting laboratory test results.

“​The government’s priority is food safety and the protection of our citizens. It was not an intentionally imposed blockade, but a temporary suspension to make sure that the products consumed are safe,” Catlabuga said.

The Agriculture Ministry, together with its subordinate institutions, held bilateral discussions with the Ukrainian side, as well as internal consultations with economic operators. On February 24, 2026, a meeting was held with the participation of poultry meat importers of Moldova.

The authorities proposed a phased unblocking mechanism, starting only with frozen poultry meat. Each batch will be allowed on the market, only if it is accompanied by serological samples and laboratory tests.

Importers will have to work directly with suppliers and slaughterhouses in Ukraine, in order to provide complete sanitary-veterinary documentation. The goal is for all products placed on store shelves to be checked before being sold.

“All goods entering the country must be proven safe through laboratory analysis. This is the number one priority of the government and the ministry,” Catlabuga emphasized.

The minister noted that the process would be strictly monitored by ANSA and the Customs Service. Depending on the results of the first stage, the authorities may later move to the second phase – allowing the import of chilled poultry meat.

At present, the authorities are monitoring how importers comply with the new rules, including products’ traceability and sanitary documents.

On January 26, 2026, the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) announced the temporary suspension of imports of poultry meat and poultry meat products originating from Ukraine. The institution stressed that the decision had been based on the results of complex investigations carried out after the banned substance metronidazole was detected in batches of feed previously imported from the neighboring country.