Bulgaria to tighten dairy regulations and labeling requirements

Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski has announced new measures to improve food safety and transparency within the country’s food sector. Recent inspections in Varna revealed significant discrepancies in meat processing and packaging facilities, leading to the disposal of over 500 kilograms of butter and processed cheese.

A primary concern identified by officials is the prevalence of imitation dairy products. Abrovski noted that while these products cannot be banned, they must be clearly labeled so consumers are fully informed of their contents. He highlighted that current legislation allows for excessive variations in quality, such as high water content in cheese which drastically reduces protein levels.

To address these issues, a working group has been established to amend the Ordinance on Dairy Products. The goal is to close loopholes that allow for the circumvention of production rules. The Minister expects these regulatory changes to be implemented by the end of the year to ensure the quality and origin of Bulgarian dairy products, including traditional white brine cheese and yogurt.