Regional Veterinary Laboratory certifies human food safety in the Azores, highlights António Ventura - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food stated in Angra do Heroísmo that human food is "safe, credible and trustworthy," through testing conducted at the Regional Veterinary Laboratory.

António Ventura spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the facility. In 2023, he stated that the Regional Veterinary Laboratory carried out "about 1.3 million tests" out of the 42 livestock and surveillance plans in force that have to be complied with.

"We guarantee that Azorean food is safe, credible and reliable due to the numerous tests carried out in this laboratory," he added.

The number of tests is expected to be higher by 2024, given the high demand from private catering businesses, a good indicator that human food is screened in advance.

The Regional Veterinary Laboratory represents an annual investment of about three million Euros in the Regional Budget, "money well spent as it provides security in the Azorean food system."

The Secretary for Agriculture also stressed that the laboratory has 77 accredited tests in veterinary medicine, food safety and water, which makes it a national reference.

For António Ventura, "this national accreditation also represents a positive promotion of the Azores as a tourist destination, as it highlights human food safety" to those visiting the Region.

The laboratory also conducts residue research tests, particularly the research and detection of inhibitors.

In the 2025 Plan and Budget, 3.9 million Euros will be earmarked for testing in compliance with the various animal and plant surveillance plans, an increase of 2% compared to 2024.