Kosovo dairy groups demand checks over palm oil use

Kosovo dairy groups are demanding checks at all milk-processing factories after inspectors found palm oil and powdered milk during a visit to the Vita plant in Istog.

The Food and Veterinary Agency inspected the plant on July 2 and took samples of long-life milk, powdered milk and palm oil for laboratory tests. Vita later suspended operations temporarily.

The agency said inspectors also found violations of current rules. Vita called the inspection illegal, selective and politically motivated.

Dairy producers say palm oil and powdered milk are being used as substitutes for fresh milk, hurting local farmers and misleading consumers if labels are unclear.

The dispute follows complaints from farmers that about 30% of Kosovo’s locally produced milk was going unsold.