The purpose of the control of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) over fruits and vegetables for fresh consumption intended for the Bulgarian market is to ensure the quality and safety of the products that consumers put on their table. The control covers the sampling of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Goods manufactured in countries of the European Union and intended for the Bulgarian market, products, imports from third countries, as well as those produced in Bulgaria are subject to inspection for pesticide residues.
In April and May, more than 200 tonnes of goods imported from third countries with increased amounts of pesticide residues, proven by laboratory testing, were not allowed on the market. It is manipulative to claim that the price of the sample would lead to higher prices for fruits and vegetables. It is not correct to export misleading information that a laboratory sample for pesticides in the amount of BGN 420, taken from a shipment with tons of products, will affect the price.
The results of the samples are available in 24 to 72 hours, and the duration is determined solely by the request of the trader.
It is possible to analyze the samples in all accredited laboratories for testing for pesticides in the country. The goal is to achieve a distribution that will speed up the release of results and reach their business operators in a shorter time. The goods intended for the market, as well as those for the processing enterprises, accompanied by a protocol for analysis for pesticide residues content, issued by an accredited and approved for official control laboratory in the EU, are not subject to sampling on the territory of Bulgaria. More than half of the consignments of fruits and vegetables entering the country are accompanied by a protocol for analysis, the control carried out so far shows.
It is considered that some goods are perishable and there is no possibility to wait for the results. These goods are sealed at the border crossing point and released for departure to the final destination. Vehicles that are not equipped with sealing devices are waiting for the result of the border checkpoint tests.
The agency will continue to control the products and goods intended for the Bulgarian consumer.
