"Inspection of margarines in Lanchkhuti"

As part of an initiative by the Georgian Center for Strategic Research and Development, the Georgian Rural Hall purchased samples of margarine (hardened vegetable fats) and sent them to a laboratory for testing. The samples were checked for heavy metals, aflatoxin B1, pesticides, radionuclides, and microbiological indicators.

According to various regulations in Georgia, margarines must meet specific safety standards. The research focused on the safety requirements defined by the Sanitary Rules and Norms for Food Raw Materials and Food Products. It’s worth mentioning that not all possible contaminants in margarine were tested.

Margarine is a widely consumed product in Georgia. It’s used both by the general public and by bakeries and restaurants. That’s why ensuring its safety is important for public health.

However, the National Food Agency hasn’t paid much attention to testing margarines for these particular indicators. In 2023–2024, no such checks were carried out.

The good news is that none of the tested samples showed any violations.

The inspections were carried out within the framework of the EU-funded project “Improved Agricultural Practices and Consumer Awareness” (CAPCA), as part of the fourth phase of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development in Georgia (ENPARD IV). The CAPCA project is co-financed by the organization Brot für die Welt (Germany).

The project is being implemented by a coalition of organizations: the Georgian Farmers’ Association (lead partner), together with its two co-partner organizations — the Georgian Center for Strategic Research and Development and the Georgian Mountain Regions’ Ambrolauri District Farmers and Beekeepers Association.

Below are the results of the research.

Product Name: Sandwich Vegetable Fat "Luna"

Manufacturer/Country: Turkey
Importer and Distributor in Georgia: LLC "Georgian Distribution Marketing Company"

Production/Expiration Date: 16.05.2024 – 16.05.2025

Purchase Location: Lanchkhuti, 118 Jordania Street, “Magniti” store (LLC “Retail Group”) 

Test Result: No violations detected

Product Name: Margarine "Ona for Cream"

Manufacturer/Country: Turkey
Distributor in Georgia: LLC "Georgian Distribution Marketing Company"

Production/Expiration Date: 04.06.2024 – 04.06.2025

Purchase Location: Lanchkhuti, 105 Jordania Street, “Nikora” store 

Test Result: No violations detected