Law No. LP306/2018 On food safety .

The scope of this Law is to achieve a high level of health protection of public health and consumer interests in relation to food safety, taking into account attention to the variety of food supplies, including traditional ones, ensuring the effective functioning of the national market. To achieve the aforesaid goal this Law: (a) establishes general principles for the regulation of the field of food and animal feedstuffs in general and their safety in particular; (b) establishes and defines the areas of competence of the National Agency for Food Safety in relation to food safety and animal feedstuffs safety throughout the food chain; (c) establishes and defines the areas of competence of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection in relation to public health and supervision of some categories of food products that affect public health, within the scope of authority, established by this Law; (d) establishes the rights and obligations of the operators of the food sector, involved in the production, processing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of food and animal feedstuffs; (e) strengthens the legal and institutional framework related to food safety and animal feedstuffs safety. The main objectives of regulation in the food sector shall be as follows: (a) protection of life of the population and public health, consumer interests, prevention of cases fraud or deception, food falsification; (b) application of the basic principle of food safety policy "from pitchfork to fork"; (c) ensuring fair food trading practices, taking into account attention to animal health and welfare, plant health and environmental protection; (d) promotion of trade between the Republic of Moldova and other countries in food products that comply with the requirements of this Law. The provisions of this Law apply at all stages of the food chain. This Law applies to all food products, including fortified foods, food additives and other types of foodstuffs, intended for introduction to the domestic market. Food sector regulations are based on risk analysis, excluding cases where this approach is inconsistent with the circumstances or the character of the measures. The risk assessment is based on available scientific information and is carried out independently, objectively and transparently. Risk management takes into account the results of risk assessment and, in particular, opinions of national and international institutions in the field of food safety, other lawful factors in the field, and the precautionary principle. Food sector regulations aim to protect consumers and provide them with a basis for making informed choices about the foodstuffs they consume with the aim to prevent: (a) illegal commercial practices; (b) counterfeiting of food; and (c) any other practice capable of misleading the consumer. Control of food safety and materials in contact with food products carried out by food sector operators throughout the food chain, including application of risk analysis principles and control critical points (HACCP). Operators of the food sector take appropriate measures to eliminate the risk of contamination or spoilage of food and their transformation into products dangerous for consumers. Traceability of food, animal feedstuffs, plant and foodstuffs of animal origin, as well as any other substances intended for inclusion in the composition of foodstuffs or animal feedstuffs, is established for all stages of the food chain. Labeling, advertising and presentation of foodstuffs or animal feedstuffs, including their shape, appearance or packaging, used packaging materials, method of presentation, as well as related information provided through any media must not mislead the consumer. Foodstuffs must be prepackaged and packaged in such a way that preserved their quality and safety during storage, transportation and distribution. This Law consists of VII Sections divided into 34 Articles. Section I lays down general provisions. Section II establishes general principles of safety of foodstuffs. Section III lays down general requirements for safety of foodstuffs and animal feedstuffs. Section IV establishes competences related to safety of foodstuffs. Section V establishes the system of supervision and control over safety of foodstuffs. Section VI establishes liability and dispute settlement. Section VII lays down final provisions.