FBiH lacks central data on withdrawn, destroyed meat as inspectors find violations in 40 checks

Data provided to the FENA news agency by relevant federal and state-level institutions show that meat controls are carried out at several levels, from production and retail facilities to border crossings, but there is no consolidated FBiH record of meat removed from circulation.

The issue has come under renewed scrutiny after veterinary inspectors in Bosnia's Republika Srpska (RS) entity recently withdrew 4.5 tonnes of meat and meat products following inspections of butcher shops and other businesses.

During the first six months of 2026, FBiH veterinary inspectors carried out 22 inspections at meat and dairy processing facilities, 105 at wholesale and retail outlets, 24 at slaughterhouses, 58 at catering establishments and 105 involving road transport.

Violations identified in 40 inspections resulted in penalty notices worth approximately 48,000 Bosnian marks (€24,500). Another 26 violations were recorded in road transport, with penalties yet to be imposed, while 40 administrative measures were issued over less serious irregularities.

Inspectors check product origin and traceability, storage conditions, labelling, expiry dates, temperature requirements and veterinary documentation.

Shortage of inspectors

The FBiH Agriculture Ministry confirmed that the entity has no unified database covering inspections, withdrawals and destruction of meat and meat products.

It also warned of a shortage of veterinary inspectors, with only 70 working at the entity, cantonal and municipal levels across the FBiH.

"It is evident that the number of veterinary inspectors is insufficient, which prevents more efficient and comprehensive controls in the field," the ministry said.

Nearly 39 tonnes of imported poultry destroyed

At the state level, the BiH Veterinary Office keeps records on meat entering the country. Since the beginning of 2026, border inspectors have examined 26,854 consignments subject to veterinary controls, including 8,621 containing meat and meat products. Thirty consignments were refused entry.

A total of 851 laboratory tests on meat and meat products, excluding fish, produced three positive results.

The Veterinary Office said there had been no cases this year in which imported meat had to be withdrawn after reaching the BiH market.

However, 38,968 kilograms of imported poultry meat with positive laboratory results was destroyed because it could not be returned to its country of origin. The meat never reached the BiH market.

The BiH Food Safety Agency, meanwhile, received two notifications this year concerning meat and meat products available or potentially available on the domestic market.