OVERVIEW OF FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY REGULATIONS FOR RAW MILK IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 481-489]
 
 
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Biljana Trajkovska , Ognen Kavaj, Lina Hristovska, Vladimir Kitanovski
 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.481T

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

The evolution of legal regulations on raw milk in the Republic of North Macedonia represents a gradual process of alignment with European legislation. Early regulations were based on national rulebooks with limited technical requirements and partial harmonisation with European standards. After 2010, new by-laws were adopted to improve hygiene conditions, define microbiological criteria and standardise raw milk quality parameters. The adoption of the Rulebook on Raw Milk Quality enabled the establishment of a traceability and official control system in line with EU requirements. Despite this progress, challenges remain, including the limited technical capacity of small farms, uneven implementation of prescribed criteria, and the need for continuous improvement of the laboratory control system. At the same time, the process of accession to the EU remains a key driver for further harmonisation, increasing competitiveness and ensuring a higher level of safety of milk and dairy products.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

Raw milk, food safety, legislation, Republic of North Macedonia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

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