Bulgaria intensifies food safety inspections and controls

Bulgaria is intensifying food safety controls through the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) to eliminate risks to consumers. Recent enforcement actions include the destruction of over two tons of food of unknown origin in Burgas and the interception of more than 28 tons of grapes and peppers from third countries due to excessive pesticide residues.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski assured the public that unsafe food is not reaching consumers, despite increased notifications in European warning systems like RASFF. The government has implemented strict traceability measures, particularly for sunflower imports from Argentina, and has conducted extensive monitoring for mycotoxins and aflatoxins in dairy products and animal feed. While many recent tests on milk samples showed levels within legal limits, some random samples of drinking milk did exceed permissible aflatoxin M1 levels.

To support vulnerable populations, the ‘Care Basket’ initiative provides a minimum 15% discount on over 30 essential products through retail chains. Additionally, the state is prioritizing the modernization of border laboratories and digital infrastructure to enhance phytosanitary controls.