The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH and the Veterinary Office of BiH banned the import of milk from Croatian companies “Dukat” and “Vindija”, since the dangerous substance aflatoxin was found.
At the border crossing Izačić milk from these companies was held, and it was where border control discovered the presence of aflatoxin.
The Veterinary Office of BiH notified inspection bodies in the RS and FBiH, the Agency for Food Safety in BiH and the Veterinary Office in Croatia that immediately stopped issuing certificates for exports of these products until the specific problem has been identified.
Ljubomir Kalaba, the Director of the Office in Croatia, said that inspection authorities were asked to check and stop the placement of these products in BiH.
This was done and the products will be kept in storage until an analysis of the quality of the milk has been tested and confirmed.
If the analysis shows positive results for the presence of toxic substances in the milk, then these products will be destroyed or returned to the producer.
After Croatia received the warning from BiH, the withdrawal of the milk companies “Vindija” and “Dukat” were requested due to the dangerous substances that were found.
The milk company “Vindija” is withdrawing sales of milk with 2.8 percent fat in packages of one liter and with an expiration date until 3 July.
They are also withdrawing sterilized and homogenized milk with 2.8 percent fat in packages of one liter and with an expiration date until 24 and 31 May.
“Dukat” is withdrawing milk with 2.8 percent fat in packages of one-half liter and with an expiration date until 24 June, the milk “Lagano Jutro” of one liter with 2.8 percent fat and with an expiration date until 25 April.
‘’Aflatoxin” is one of the most dangerous substances. It damages the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels and are attributed to carcinogenic effects.