Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) will start checking for pesticides fruits and vegetables imported in Bulgaria, announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Miroslav Naydenov after the vine trimming to celebrate St.Trifon's Day in Petrich Region. He said that mobile centers would be set up across the country where people would be able to report any irregularities. The agency will mainly make sure the imported fruit and vegetables do not contain pesticides banned in the EU.
Currently the EU is drafting a document prohibiting the presence of more than three or five pesticides in one product. The Western European chains of shops, which have subsidiaries in Bulgaria, demand a certificate proving the safety of the products. This requirement, however, is not valid in none of the shops in Bulgaria, including the foreign chains.
BFSA will impose a strict control on each truck transporting vegetables and fruits from third countries, said Minister Naydenov. It turns out that even in Europe, where rules on vegetables are the most stringent in the world, vegetables with excessive pesticide content are found. In 90% of cases these are products manufactured in countries, outside the EU.
For the transport of fruit and vegetables over long distances are used the so-called “biocides”. These are substances similar to pesticides. For them, as well as for plant protection praparations, there is a list of prohibited and permitted substances. In the cheapest fruit and vegetables that are sold widely in the country, the so called “elbalming” substances at low prices are normally used. Apples and tomatoes are usually covered with waxes that cover the skin and retain water.It is recommended products to be peeled before consumption.