The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has announced a significant increase in the inspection of all raw milk and milk concentrate entering the country. This new mandate applies to goods arriving from both the European Union and other international origins.
Previously, only a fraction of these imports, about 10%, underwent scrutiny. The recent directive from BFSA Executive Director Angel Mavrovski requires comprehensive checks on milk intended for processing and sale in Bulgaria. These checks will cover documentation, physical identity, and potential residues of antibiotics or medications.
Samples collected will be analyzed at accredited laboratories located in Sofia, Shumen, and Haskovo. The cost of these procedures will be borne by the businesses importing the milk. Regional offices are tasked with reporting to the BFSA Central Administration on the number of samples, analysis results, violations, and any corrective actions taken.
This enhanced oversight aims to improve supply chain traceability and prevent dairy products with antibiotic residues from reaching consumers. It also seeks to address unfair competitive practices affecting Bulgarian dairy farmers, who have faced rising imports—up nearly 45% over the past five years—while domestic raw cow’s milk production has declined by 25%, as noted by Zhelyo Boychev from the Commission on Protection of Competition.
