COCERAL, European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, rice, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply, has rejected claims that low-quality grains are entering the EU market. COCERAL stated that its members trading in agricultural raw materials for food and feed chains strictly comply with the strict regulations set by EU legislation and will continue to do so also in the future.

The statement on the organization’s website is as follows: “There have been several rumours that crops of inferior quality have been placed on the EU market.



COCERAL members, which trade agricultural raw materials destined to the supply of the food and feed chains, as well as for technical and energy uses, are vigilant when receiving shipments whether the goods are originated from EU member countries or from import.

Commodities placed on the EU market must respect the high safety standards established in the EU legislation and COCERAL members are fully committed to ensure this compliance. All consignments from any origin are tested and our members reject any cargoes that could potentially have a negative impact on human and animal health. This strict process is part of the daily practice that COCERAL’s traders have in place under their risk assessment and risk management responsibilities.”

The EU’s duty-free admission of Ukrainian grain into the Union following the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine is drawing criticism from Eastern European countries concerned about the competitiveness of their own farmers. Countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary claim that Ukrainian grain has quality problems.