Moldova’s poultry industry faces a significant crisis with the recent seizure and destruction of nearly 130,000 eggs, over 100,000 broilers, and an unspecified amount of contaminated feed. Routine inspections revealed excessive levels of metronidazole linked to animal feed imported from Ukraine.
Contamination Traced and Immediate Actions Taken
The national veterinary watchdog, ANSA, conducted over 17 follow-up inspections at feed warehouses, slaughterhouses, and egg farms. These inspections allowed officials to trace the contamination back to feed sourced from Ukraine, raising concerns about consumer safety and the possibility of already consumed contaminated products.
Local news outlet The Telegraph reported that a group of customers had alerted ANSA about the contamination on December 22; however, public acknowledgment and subsequent product seizures did not occur until January 2.
Impacted Poultry Farms
Reports indicate that up to 10 poultry farms in Moldova were supplied with contaminated feed. However, ANSA seized products solely from two farms—Intervetcom SRL and Raiplai Avicola SRL. The implicated farms also reportedly supplied products through state tenders, including contracts with the Moldovan army.
Health Risks Associated with Metronidazole
Metronidazole has been banned for use in poultry farming in the EU since the 1990s and in Moldova since 2011 due to its potential health risks. Consumption of contaminated eggs can lead to antibiotic resistance, head off treatment for future infections, and may cause adverse health effects, including headaches, nausea, and potential liver and kidney damage. Residue from the antibiotic poses further risks, such as allergic reactions and neurotoxicity.
To mitigate public health risks, ANSA reported that all seized products were processed as non-food waste in a biogas plant and emphasized that all egg products currently on the market are safe for consumption.
Impact on Moldova’s Poultry Industry
This contamination scandal has sent shockwaves through Moldova’s poultry sector, which recently received the green light for poultry exports to the European Union. In December 2025, Axedum became the first Moldovan company to be recognized by the EU for meeting poultry export standards.
