Skopje, 11 December 2024 (MIA) — Ahead of the winter holidays, the Food and Veterinary Agency has stepped up inspections in the food retail industry, especially focusing on the traditional New Year's candy bags for children to make sure the candy inside is safe to eat, the FVA said in a press release.

"As an institution responsible for food safety, protecting the health of citizens and their consumer rights, the FVA has urged the food retail industry to be responsible and not to try to manipulate consumers, particularly not by sneaking in unsafe, expired products in New Year's candy bags," the FVA said, pointing out it had received reports of this happening.

To make sure the foods they buy are safe, the agency also urged consumers to buy their food from retailers that were FVA-approved and regularly inspected.

It also said that customers could log their complaints by calling the FVA's toll-free number 0800 3 22 22 or by sending an email to info@fva.gov.mk. mr/