Panel Discussion: From Declaration to Quality – The Truth About Food and Honey

The Agro-Mediterranean Faculty of the Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar hosted the Third Traditional Nutrition Panel Discussion titled ‘From Declaration to Quality: The Truth About Food and Honey.’

The panel addressed food safety and the proper interpretation of product labels, with special emphasis on identifying counterfeit products. Sanin Tankovic, Director of the Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted differences between standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union and stressed the need to introduce stricter regulations. Building upon this focus on consumer protection, nutritionist Amela Ivkovic O'Reilly led an interactive discussion and debunked common myths about healthy eating on a budget. She emphasized the importance of seasonal and local foods, as well as maintaining a balanced diet.

Further underscoring the need for vigilance, Dean Alisa Hadziabulic pointed out that domestic products are not necessarily safe without proper control. Meanwhile, Melisa Orascanin addressed the issue of ‘fake honey’ and emphasized that chemical analysis provides the most reliable method of verification.

Student Edina Berberovic presented the survey results, showing that consumers primarily focus on expiration dates while often overlooking other important information, such as product origin and actual sugar content.

The panel participants concluded that Bosnia and Herzegovina must strengthen market control and continuously educate citizens to ensure safer nutrition.