The state is returning to control over food safety and will be the guarantor of the quality of products that reach Bulgarian families, schools and hospitals. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Hristanov at a joint press conference with the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) Dr. Angel Mavrovski, dedicated to the results of the campaign “Clean Food“.
Minister Hristanov informed that the Ministry's team started work only seven weeks ago, but it is already showing that state institutions can act decisively and transparently. According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency are working in close coordination like never before in recent decades – citizens' signals are checked immediately, and the results are presented publicly. “In recent weeks, many accusations and suggestions have appeared, including from the parliamentary rostrum. But the facts are clear, once we receive signals, we react on the spot and are accountable to the public. This is the way a country should function“, said the minister. He pointed out that the “Clean Food“ campaign covers the entire country and thousands of inspections have already been carried out. According to him, the results show problems accumulated over years - violations in food storage and distribution, poor hygiene conditions in facilities and pollution of water sources. Cases of serious abuse have been identified in a number of areas.
A scheme for overloading and distributing food under extremely dubious conditions was uncovered in Vratsa, a large company with serious hygiene violations was identified in Gabrovo, despite having received millions of leva for equipment, and pollution of water sources was found in Lovech. The minister noted that some of the inspections are also related to abuses in the supply of food to schools and children. “This is an abuse not only of public funds, but also of the health of our children. Such practices will not be tolerated“, he was categorical.
Hristanov also pointed out cases of obstruction of inspections and pressure on BFSA employees. “When inspectors perform their duties, threats and attempts to stop inspections occur. This will not be allowed. I thank the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and the Secretary General of the Ministry, who provide full support to our teams“, said the minister. He specified that the revealed schemes also show serious unfair competition to honest business. “Thousands of Bulgarian entrepreneurs work honestly, pay taxes and comply with the rules. They should not be pressured by shady practices and illegal schemes. With these inspections, the state protects them,“ he emphasized.
The Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Authority, Dr. Angel Mavrovski, announced that after the launch of the “Clean Food“ campaign, signals from citizens have increased by over 60% in the last month alone. Most of them come from Sofia City and Sofia Region and are mainly related to food violations, but there are also signals of inhumane treatment of animals and illegal activities.
In conclusion, Minister Hristanov emphasized that in just one month, the institutions have begun to solve problems that have accumulated over more than 15 years. “We continue our work with the same determination. The most important thing is for Bulgarian citizens to be calm and confident that the state protects their health and interests,“ he said.