February 22, 2013

Following the discovery of toxins in milk from neighbouring countries in the Balkan region, Montenegro suspended domestic milk production and distribution.

According to the Montenegrin Ministries of Agriculture and Health, milk production will be suspended until domestic dairy sources have been tested and analysed.

Milk from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were withdrawn from shelves a day earlier after tests revealed high levels of the carcinogen aflatoxin. Croatian milk was banned for high levels of aflatoxin earlier in the month.

Spaso Popovic, Assistant Director for Inspections, said the Montenegrin public would be informed of the test results, which should take several days. The government said there was no reason for panic and the suspension of milk production was a precautionary measure.

Aflatoxin can be found in the milk of animals fed with grains or crops contaminated with the toxin.