Origin-labeled Products - Food Quality and Food Safety in Bulgaria

Abstract

Bulgaria has complicated systems for food quality and food safety control. Responsibility for them is divided among several institutions. The control system is still overstaffed and insufficient co-ordination between its different parts prevail; the current control system does not meet the requirements of the new EU approach: traceability and transparency. In the last years the improvement of food quality and food safety systems in Bulgaria has been substantial - both from legislative and institutional point of view. In the process of accession Bulgarian legislation in this sphere already complies with EU regulation. Origin-labeled products is considered as an important element of food quality and food safety control systems. The legislation for organic farming, quality wines and alcoholic drinks is almost fully harmonised with the EU requirements. Important improvement has been made also with the adoption of ordinance for TSG.</o:p>