IN PREPARATION for EU membership hundreds of new laws were passed and hundreds were updated as part of the process of harmonisation with the acquis communautaire. Many of these laws protect the consumer, by defining his rights, imposing strict health controls and ensuring high quality standards. For these measures to be beneficial to the consumer, regular checks must be carried out by the authorities to make sure that they are being enforced. Without checks and controls the new laws are pointless.
The problem was highlighted last weekend when it was reported to the EU that certain foodstuffs available on the Cyprus market – lountza, pistachio nuts, dried, apricots – were contaminated and unfit for consumption. Yet these products were on the market for more than a month after it had been established that they were contaminated, the veterinary and health services failing to do anything about it. By the time consumers were notified, more than half the tainted lountza, had been sold to unsuspecting consumers. Why had nothing been said or done since November 1, the day the tests on the lountza had been completed and it had been established that it was contaminated?
Minister of agriculture, Timis Efthymiou was scathing about the ‘negligence’ and delays displayed by the veterinary and health services. He said there would be an inquiry to establish what had gone wrong and who was responsible for the failure to protect the public. It was outrageous that the Cyprus authorities thought it necessary to inform EU member-states about the contaminated products, but not Cyprus’ consumers who found out afterwards. Was it negligence, ignorance of the procedures, or a case of officials protecting producers?
The inquiry will shed light on the causes for this failure to protect people. What is evident, without the need of an inquiry is that government has yet to put procedures and systems in place for enforcing the new rules and regulations. For instance, is there a standardised procedure to be followed once contaminated foodstuffs are found by the health services? Do they ask for a second lab-test of the product and once that is positive, who must be notified? When must the public be informed? The companies whose products were withdrawn have also complained for the failure of the health services to inform them promptly, in writing, about what they had to.
All these issues need to be resolved by the government, if the new laws are to be effective. Procedures must be standardised for officials to know what is expected of them and what action to take when such a problem arises. Perhaps the answer is for the government to establish an agency, within one of the ministries, to monitor the quality standards of foodstuffs. If the public is to be protected, existing laws and regulations need to be enforced. And for this to happen, the government services need to get organised.
