The Lithuanian Vegetable Growers Association informed the responsible institutions that currently only individual Lithuanian farms have started harvesting early potatoes, so the quantities of products grown in the country’s farms on the market are very limited.
“We take signals that consumers may be offered potatoes of Lithuanian origin very seriously. Consumers have the right to receive accurate and non-misleading information about the origin of food products, so it is especially important to ensure transparent and honest labeling throughout the supply chain. During inspections of markets and other points of sale, we will pay particular attention to labeling information, documents confirming origin, and traceability data,” said VMVT head Audronė Mikalauskienė.
VMVT reminds consumers to be cautious and buy only from responsible sellers. Potatoes sold both at outdoor markets and in retail trade must be labeled with tags in Lithuanian, and the label must indicate the country of origin.
“Potatoes in the shopping center can be both Lithuanian and imported – this should not necessarily cause concern. All potatoes supplied to the market must be checked for quarantine pests, but undoubtedly, the consumer must be vigilant and buy only from reliable suppliers – farmers registered in the Phytosanitary Register, other potato traders, or retail chains. If you suspect the quality of the potatoes, demand the label,” says VATŽŪM director Simonas Pusvaškis.
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VATŽŪM specialists remind that the label must also indicate the purpose of the potatoes, variety, the registration number of the potato grower / buyer / seller in the Phytosanitary Register (abbreviated on the label as “Phytosanitary Register No.”), the shipment number of the potatoes (provided by the grower, buyer, or seller), the country of origin code, the quantity of potatoes, quality class, and potato size (the smallest and largest tuber diameter in the batch).
The label must be single-use, firmly attached to the package. Altering or reusing the label is prohibited. These requirements apply both when trading Lithuanian and imported potatoes.
Consumers who notice possibly misleading information about product origin or other suspicious potatoes are encouraged to inform VMVT by phone 1879 or by filling out a form, or VATŽŪM trust phone (0 5) 270 80 80. Such reports help prevent the supply of plant products that do not meet phytosanitary requirements to the market.
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