Inspectors from the National Food Safety Agency (NFSA) destroyed 110000 birds and withdrew eggs from the market after they detected a banned substance during inspections at a poultry farm in the Republic of Moldova.
The NFSA reported that laboratory analyses identified the substance metronidazole in the birds blood serum and in eggs. The discovery triggered a large scale investigation that remains ongoing.
Authorities carried out 17 official inspections at poultry farms, feed warehouses, and a slaughterhouse. Inspectors suspended the movement of birds and eggs at all inspected facilities and recalled eggs intended for human consumption from the market.
Based on preliminary findings, authorities determined that animal feed likely caused the contamination, after suppliers allegedly added metronidazole illegally. As a result, the NFSA suspended imports of compound feed and requested explanations from the authorities in the exporting country. The measure does not apply to pet food.
The NFSA urges farmers to use only authorized veterinary medicines on the recommendation of a veterinarian and to apply strict self control measures to ensure safe products for consumers.