Food Safety Practices in Artisanal and Semi-Automated Dairy Processors: Evidence from Fier, Albania

Pranvera Troka (), Marsela Luarasi and Ilir Kapaj
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Pranvera Troka: Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1025 Tirana, Albania
Marsela Luarasi: Faculty of Forestry Sciences, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1025 Tirana, Albania
Ilir Kapaj: Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1025 Tirana, Albania

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Food safety and traceability in dairy processing plants are essential for public health and industry sustainability. This study provides an empirical assessment of food safety and traceability practices among artisanal and semi-automated dairy processors in Fier, Albania, which is the country’s leading milk-producing region. Based on structured interviews with 18 dairy processors, we examined practices related to supplier management, quality control, facility conditions, staff hygiene, and equipment sanitation. The results reveal significant gaps in milk supplier inspections, biochemical testing, and traceability systems. The majority of processors lack barcode systems, regulated contracts with farmers, and formalized product tracking mechanisms, decreasing the chances of market formalization. Moreover, none of the dairies in this study have ISO certification, which restricts access to international markets. This paper also compares food safety practices between semi-automated and artisanal processors, with the former having slightly better compliance in certain key areas such as milk supply monitoring and biochemical testing. However, both groups face major challenges in complying with food safety standards due to weak regulatory enforcement, limited financial resources, and insufficient training. Implementing stricter food safety measures and modern traceability systems is not only a regulatory necessity but a strategic step toward improving public health, market access, and the long-term sustainability of Albania’s dairy sector.

Keywords: food safety; traceability; dairy processing; artisanal dairies; semi-automated dairies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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