The investigative show Vetting, News24

The truth hurts…
While institutions try to create “brochures” of a better Albanian reality, in reality the curtain of illusion falls, the moment you face the consumer and the farmer. One of the cases is a food market at the end of the former “Train Station” area, where several times a week, individuals from outside Tirana, such as Fushë-Kruja, Kruja, come to sell something from their agricultural or livestock production. They choose a specific place and stay from 3-4 in the morning until 13:00, in the middle of the mud and dust, in the hope that with their hard work, they will get a lot of money to survive for a little longer.

"The conditions are actually seen to be unsuitable. They are not suitable, and we are also aware that they are not suitable. We try to deliver the goods to others as cleanly and as well as possible, but a condition is a condition. We are forced to sell under these conditions. The municipality should come and take measures, to put us in order, not have the police come and rape us with a word," says trader Qazim Gjoni to "Vetting."

In fact, this group of merchants, some time ago, stood at the beginning of the "Train Station", in conditions that they consider good for sales and business development. However, since the owner of the land decided to sell it for the construction of buildings, this group was left in the middle of the four streets, trying to find a solution to survive.

"Vetting" went to the field to see more about the specific situation of this market. What he found was a "laying" of the road with blankets or clothes, so that when it rained it would collect the mud, or when it was summer it would try not to raise the dust, but in vain.

"My opinion is that the municipality should create a new market for these people, pay them money there, like everyone else, organize them well and not work here in the mud, because this is a hotbed of infections. Look, he sells fish there. The fish, look where the fish is there, the garbage there. All the things...", says citizen Fatmir Skifteri.

Meanwhile, other traders say that even though they may have complained and not found a solution from the municipal authorities, the latter show up from time to time and try to take advantage of them through inspections.

Experts emphasize the need for targeted interventions, continuous monitoring, and stronger regulation to reduce the risk to public health and avoid economic consequences in the domestic and export markets.

Recognition and monitoring of these toxins, storage control and implementation of good agricultural practices are essential to ensure food safety and protect human and animal health.

"We have the power to do periodic check-ups, to be more attentive to the signs that the body gives us, not to neglect medical consultations and to undergo periodic tests, which help us in preventing cancer. As for the relevant institutions, what should be in an ideal institution, should be institutional interaction and cooperation...", says Klejdia Mati, an oncologist.

Mycotoxins are not just a scientific problem. They are a reflection of institutional failure. When laboratories are not accredited, when controls are selective, when public funds are wasted, the risk does not remain on paper, it ends up on citizens' plates.

Farmers survive in primitive conditions. Consumers buy without security. Institutions only react when scandal breaks. Food security is not a luxury. It is a fundamental right. And every day it is neglected, the price is paid in health… and in life.